By Kevin Duguid
AROUND 150 friends of a teenager who died after an alleged attack at a house party are set to stage a fundraising walk in his memory.
Brett Lodge was left in a coma after an incident in the Liberton area of Edinburgh, but died three days later of his injuries.
Since his death a string of fundraising events have taken place in his memory.
More than £2000 has been generated for the city’s Western General Hospital as a result.
Next month, 150 of his friends are expected to turn out for a sponsored march through the city in his honour.
Proceeds will be used to buy a bench for his graveside at Craigmillar Castle Park Cemetery.
The event, organised by Rois Milligan, 16, Steph Turnball and Brogan Noble, both 15, the memorial walk is due to take place on September 4.
A target of at least £1500 has been set.
Rois said: “I knew Brett my whole life because 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.
“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 a picture of Brett and the message “Gone But Never Forgotten”, while hundreds of black and green rubber wristbands bearing his name have also been sold.
A memorial skate around Murrayfield Ice Rink, one of the teenager’s favourite haunts, has already raised £540, while a further £500 was collected at his funeral.
Brett had emergency brain surgery following the alleged attack.
His mother Gillian kept a vigil at his bedside before he died.
Declan Robertson, Andrew Parfinowski and Cameron McKail, all 16, appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, along with a 15-year-old boy, charged with attempted murder, following the incident.
