BEXLEYHEATH Academy has been donated a lifesaving defibrillator in honour of a pupil who collapsed and died playing football.

Philip Lamin, 16, suffered a cardiac arrest moments after scoring a goal during a kick around at Goals Soccer Centre next to the grounds of the school after lessons on February 5.

Former footballer Fabrice Muamba, whose career was ended when he collapsed during an FA Cup game in March last year, sent a personal letter of condolence to Philip’s family.

The £1,200 automated external defibrillator (AED) has been donated by charity Arrhythmia Alliance as part of its Hearts & Goals campaign backed by Muamba.

Head of Year 11 Tracey Boswell said: "It is fantastic that we are getting this defibrillator at the academy as a lasting tribute to Philip.

"The strength of feeling since Philip passed away has been so strong and the energy of his friends and the whole community to do something positive has been overwhelming.

"Philip’s mum, Juliet, has been incredible and I think her positivity and energy has been felt by everyone here.

"It is a testament to just how popular Philip was and just how much he is missed by everyone."

News Shopper: A tribute to promising footballer Philip Lamin.

A tribute to promising footballer Philip Lamin at his funeral in March.

The defibrillator can be used by anyone to shock a person’s heart back into rhythm in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest as they do not require training and talk the user through the whole process.

Mrs Boswell added: "We don’t know if an AED would have saved Philip but by having this device we now know that everyone here is protected.

"It is a wonderful legacy and a fitting tribute to a fantastic boy."

Hearts & Goals aims to place defibrillators in communities up and down the country.

Trudie Lobban MBE, founder and CEO of Arrhythmia Alliance, said: "It is very clear to see that Philip was hugely popular and his death at such a young age is tragic.

"The energy and determination his family, friends, schoolmates and everyone within the community has shown to do something positive in his memory is inspiring.

"I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to Philip than a defibrillator, placed at the academy there to protect everyone."

Visit heartsandgoals.org

A football match in Philip's memory is being held on Sunday, June 23, at 2pm at the Erith and Parkwood Community Leisure Centre in Avenue Road.

Tickets are £3 for students and £5 adults and are available on the day or by calling Tracey Boswell at Bexleyheath Academy on 0208 3035696.