Guardsman Michael Sweeney will be remembered at a special Memorial Fair, five years after he was killed in Afghanistan.
Serving with the 1st Battalion Coldstream, Guardsman Sweeney, from Blyth, was just 19 years old when he died in Helmand Province in April 2010.
And on April 4 this year, the Michael Sweeney Memorial Fair will be held in Blyth Market Square, raising funds for the Army Benevolent Fund, the soldier’s charity (ABF).
Michael’s mother Kim, 44, now living in Ashington, is hoping the event will celebrate her son’s life and the work of the country’s armed forces.
She said: “We are targeting it as a forces day, to show our appreciation for their work.”
Representatives from the Blyth Army Reserve, the Royal Navy and the police have all confirmed their attendance at the fair.
From 10am to 3pm, there will be attractions including a cake sale, a climbing wall and a tombola.
Small rides will be available for younger children and military memorabilia will be available to buy.
All proceeds will go to the ABF, a charity which Kim believes is making a big difference for the families of current and former servicemen and women.
“They make such a huge impact on peoples lives,” she said. “Their support has always been fantastic.”
The event is supported by local businesses including the Blyth and Tyne pub, Phoenix Taxis - who have donated £50 and prizes for a raffle draw - and Koast Radio, which will broadcast a minute’s applause from the fair in appreciation of service of the nation’s forces at noon.
Kim had nothing but praise for the community. She said: “The response has been absolutely phenomenal.
“About £45,000 has been raised in the last four years, all of which has been raised locally.”
In a lasting legacy to their son Kim and Michael’s dad, Michael senior, 46, have celebrated his life in charity events every year.
The fifth annual Michael Sweeney Memorial football match is to be held on May 9 at Croft Park, home of Blyth Spartans.
A memorial concert staged earlier this month at St Mary’s Church raised over £800 for ABF and Brainbox, a charity which supports families of young people with brain injuries.
A 1940s themed party, held at the Blyth Reserve Army Centre, was also well received and Kim hopes to establish an annual memorial rugby match in the future.
