A LOVING step-daughter is raising funds to help to supply defibrillators to schools in memory of her step-dad, who died in February.

Jo Jackson, whose step-father, Eddie Rowley, died from a sudden heart attack at the age of 66, is raising money for Hand on Heart, a charity that helps to provide defibrillators and training to schools.

Jo, 36, said: “It was a massive shock when Eddie passed away. Had there been a defibrillator on hand it could have saved his life.

“He was such a popular person within the community I just want to do something in memory of him as well as raise awareness to hopefully prevent the same thing happening to someone else.”

Eddie, from Sale, formed Travelrite with one taxi and built up a fleet of minibuses using them to transport children with special needs to school.

Eddie was involved with arranging special day trips for the children , through the Trafford Taxi Drivers Association.

In the UK there are 12 young people who die due to sudden cardiac arrest each week, a statistic Jo is hoping to help to reduce.

“I have already raised enough money through my just giving page for a defibrillator for a school in the north west.”

Jo’s husband Steve completed the Greater Manchester 10k in May to raise money and they hope to continue their fund raising to try to provide as many defibrillators for as many schools in Greater Manchester as possible

To donate visit http://www.justgiving.com/Ed-Rowley