A 13-YEAR-OLD and his best friend have run 10km to raise money for a defibrillator - after a family cardiac emergency.

Adam Clarke's dad Andy, from Westhoughton, suffered a heart attack at Bolton Arena.

And Adam's friend Lucas Forder persuaded him to undertake a sponsored run to provide a defib for the community.

Andy was saved by Bolton Arena staff's first aid, with a defibrillator on hand, when the incident happened on December 19. He had been playing walking football for Bolton Wanderers while Adam was playing football in Wigan.

Since then, Andy has made a full recovery but Adam and Lucas are keen to raise awareness on the importance of defibrillators around Bolton.

Adam said: "Unfortunately it is becoming more common to hear about people having cardiac arrest in sport. We’d like to see every grass roots team have a defibrillator to because every minute counts.

"I want to say thanks to everybody who have helped us and who have sponsored us."

The boys were joined by classmates at Westhoughton High school, with 10 of them in total running from the school to Bolton Arena.

Lucas added: "I’m glad that all our friends are committed to helping our community. I’d like to see more places like Bolton arena have defibrillators because they can save lives.

Originally, the target was to raise £799 but the boys have surpassed this already and are at £1,149.

Adam's mum, Dian Huyton said: "I am incredibly proud, it's just something good coming out of an awful situation.

"It's just a group of like-minded lads going out to do something for the community."

The boys planned everything themselves for the run, from the route to even securing their own sponsorship.Westhoughton High staff helped them print flyers and supported them in their idea.

Andy is now at home and has supported his son and friends in their efforts.

Dian said: "It was the quick thinking actions of the staff at Bolton Arena that saved Andy's life. They performed life saving CPR and had a defibrillator with them.

"Andy is doing so much better now, it's like nothing happened. He's back to walking football again, but he has to take medication now.

"It was shocking when it happened because otherwise he is healthy."

To still donate to the funding page, go to Go Fund Me and type in 'Dashfordefib.'