Monday November 2nd 2026
left to right at the start of the walk from Easthouses Primary are Jay’s gran Susan Stewart, his mum Laura Stewart, Provost Debbi McCall, Jay’s granddad Ian Stewart and Councillor Stuart McKenzie.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Pupils, staff, families and community supporters came together for a special sponsored walk in memory of Mayfield Primary School pupil Jay Carris, raising funds for life-saving defibrillators and community training.
The ‘Jaunt for Jay’ walk, attended by his family, took place over two days on Thursday 29 October and Friday 30 October, with pupils setting off from Easthouses Primary School, where Mayfield Primary pupils are currently based while their new school is being built. The route passed the site of the new Mayfield Primary School campus, connecting the school’s future with a lasting tribute to one of its pupils.
The event was organised following the sudden loss of Jay during the summer holidays. School leaders, staff and Jay’s family wanted to create a positive and enduring legacy in his memory by raising funds for additional Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) and CPR training opportunities for the wider community.
Midlothian Provost Debbi McCall joined pupils, staff, Jay’s parents Laura and Stephen and granddad Ian on the walk, alongside local ward councillor Stuart McKenzie, who pledged support for the fundraising effort along with his two ward councillor colleagues, Councillor Bryan Pottinger and Councillor Peter Smaill.
Provost Debbi McCall said: “It was incredibly moving to see so many young people, families, including Jay’s, and members of the community come together to remember Jay.
“The walk was a fitting tribute to a much-loved pupil and showed the strength, compassion and resilience of the Mayfield school community. By raising funds for defibrillators and community training, those taking part are helping to create a legacy that could make a real difference and potentially save lives in the future.”
Mayfield Primary School Head Teacher Lindsey Walker said: “Jay remains very much in our hearts and throughout the walk it was clear how many people wanted to honour his memory.
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who took part, donated or supported the event. The response from pupils, families and the wider community has been overwhelming.
“Thanks to their efforts, we’ve already raised more than £3,700 to help us improve access to life-saving equipment and training, creating a legacy in Jay’s name that will benefit future generations.”
The money will contribute towards the purchase and installation of defibrillators at the school’s current and future sites, while also supporting wider community access to CPR and defibrillator training.
The event saw the school community unite in remembrance of Jay, who also has three siblings Neve, 16, Zak, 9 and Eryn, 5, while taking positive action to improve health and safety for local residents, ensuring Jay’s memory will continue to make a difference to others for years to come.
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