150 friends to take giant steps in memory of Brett

Brett Lodge, 17, was left in a coma after the incident at Claverhouse Drive, Liberton, in July, and died three days later.

Since his death, a string of fundraisers in the teenager’s memory have drummed up more than £2000 for the Western General Hospital.

An online tribute page dedicated to Brett, who was known affectionately as “Hancock” and lived in the Bingham area of the city, has also been “liked” nearly 6000 times since it was created last month.

Next month, 150 youngsters are expected to turn out for the sponsored march through the city in his honour.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will be used to purchase a bench for his graveside at Craigmillar Castle Park Cemetery.

Organised by Rois Milligan, 16, Steph Turnbull and Brogan Noble, both 15, the memorial walk takes place on, September 4, starting at Inch Park, taking in the Commonwealth Pool, Arthur’s Seat, Easter Road, Lochend Road and Abbeyhill before concluding back at Arthur’s Seat. A target of at least £1500 has been set.

Speaking to the News, Rois said: “I knew Brett my whole life because I grew up in the Inch, and we both went to the same nursery and primary school.

“Everyone is still in shock, upset and heartbroken about his death. That’s what’s pushing us on to do something like this.

“Brett’s mum was talking about raising money for the hospital where he died, and we thought we should also do something in Brett’s memory.

“All his friends are taking part in the walk.”

She added: “He was kind and caring and really hyper all the time. He was just a happy person and got on with everyone.”

Friends and family of the teenager have printed T-shirts emblazoned with Brett’s face and the message “Gone But Never Forgotten”, while hundreds of black-and-green rubber wristbands bearing his name have been sold.

A memorial skate round Murrayfield Ice Rink, one of Brett’s favourite haunts, has raised £540, while a further £500 was collected at his funeral.

Brett had emergency brain surgery following the alleged attack and was left in a coma. His mother, Gillian Lodge, kept a vigil by his bedside.

n Declan Robertson, Andrew Parfinowski and Cameron McKail, all 16, have appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court along with a 15-year-old boy, charged with attempted murder.

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