Devastated Glasgow dad pays tribute to son who collapsed at work before sudden death
Chris Murray was a talented guitar player who loved music, however, his dreams of performing were cut short after he passed away following a sudden cardiac arrest.
A Glasgow dad has paid tribute to his 22-year-old son who tragically died after collapsing at work.
Chris Murray, who was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy at three years old, was a talented guitar player who loved music, however, his dreams of performing were cut short after he passed away following a sudden cardiac arrest.
Paying tribute to the lifelong Rangers fan, his dad Craig said: “Chris was a very happy child, always smiling and full of fun. He danced around with headphones on from being a toddler.
“He loved singing, dancing, acting and played bass and acoustic guitar. He had eclectic music tastes and he’d often be out on our decking putting on shows.”
Following Chris’ death back in 2017, his family are determined for his legacy to live on and a dedicated team of supporters have raised thousands of pounds in his name. He now features in a video series by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to show the reality of sudden cardiac death.
Available on YouTube throughout November and December, the series raises awareness that each week 12 young people under 35 die from sudden cardiac death in the UK. The family hope that sharing Chris’ story through the BHF’s new video series will also make a difference.
Craig added: “When we lost Chris, it brought everything into focus for us as far as heart research is concerned. We can put a man on the moon but only research can eradicate the genes that trigger these inherited heart conditions.”
Chris’ story will also be shared by DJ and broadcaster Annie MacManus in her podcast until mid-December.
She said: “Chris was a passionate music lover, and also a football superfan, whose life was tragically cut short. Chris had wonderfully diverse tastes in music from Oasis to Beyonce and it wasn’t just about listening for Chris, he also played music himself and was very talented on both bass an acoustic guitar. Chris’ story is a reminder of how fragile life can be.”
It comes after the BHF previously unveiled a mural in Chris’ memory, in Glasgow, ahead of the UEFA Euros 2024. Chris’ mural was amongst 12 launched across the country, with each painting commemorating a talented young footballer or fan who died too soon.
“It was very emotional to see Chris up there and his mural had a huge impact on friends, family and strangers but I was chuffed to bits with the attention it got and hopefully the awareness it raised,” added Craig.
“When we set out on this journey to raise funds and awareness after Chris died, we had no idea we’d still be doing it today, but Chris has left his mark and he continues to change lives.
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“It’s great to be reaching a new, wider audience online and with Annie Mac.”
The BHF is now urgently calling for donations so that it can fund lifesaving research to keep more hearts beating.
Find out more here.
