HELP save a life in schools with the Daily Echo – that is the message from a Saints legend, who is calling for businesses in Southampton to do their part to keep schoolchildren safe and healthy.

Former Saints manager Lawrie McMenemy has been a long-time supporter of the Daily Echo’s Save a Life in Schools campaign since its launch last March, aiming to get a defibrillator in every school in Hampshire.

Now he is calling on businesses in Southampton to help out by sponsoring schools without the life-saving equipment so they can purchase one.

Lawrie, who led the Saints to their 1976 FA Cup win against Manchester United, said: “Defibrillators are possibly something new to many people but the incident at Mountbatten School last year brought it to everybody’s attention round here. That young lad’s life was saved because a teacher was able to get a defibrillator immediately.

“I was surprised to find that there were a number of schools in our area that did not have them and some businesses as well. It would be good for everyone concerned if businesses that do have them could help out schools.”

And Lawrie is working with Southampton Football Club’s Saints Foundation to support a school in the city by sponsoring the cost of a defibrillator.

He added: “I’m delighted that once it was mentioned to the club that Ralph Krueger and Katharina Liebherr immediately agreed to try to help out.”

The Echo launched its campaign after 16-year-old Sam Mangoro suffered a heart attack during a PE lesson at Mountbatten School in Romsey.

As previously reported by the Daily Echo quick-thinking staff used a defibrillator to keep his heart beating long enough for paramedics to arrive.

Since the ordeal Sam has made a full recovery and his family have also backed our appeal.

The vital equipment costs around £800 although the government has been working on new legislation to offer defibrillators to schools at a reduced price.