Town out in force to salute Mathew

HUNDREDS of people turned out to a charity night in memory of a fallen hero.

They gathered at Immingham's Solway Club on Kings Road, to remember Marine Mathew Ford, and to raise money for Help For Heroes.

On a day when North East Lincolnshire remembered two other soldiers, with thousands lining the streets of Grimsby to pay their respects to fallen soldiers Sgt Matthew Telford and Guardsman Jimmy Major, friends and family of Lance Corporal Ford gathered for the all-day charity event.

Emily Foster, front, and other members of the Missouri Raiders Charity Re-enactment Group raised funds for troops charity Help For Heroes.

He was killed in a so-called friendly fire incident in a Taliban fort in 2007.

Mathew's mother Joan was shocked by the response to the event.

She said: "I cannot believe how many people got involved and helped make the event a roaring success.

"The people of Immingham have been fantastic and it is testament to Mathew that so many people came to raise money for such a worthy cause and to help our heroes.

"I'd like to thank all the businesses who donated things for the event and I just cannot praise them enough – Mathew would be proud."

The event saw raffles, tombola, a charity auction and entertainment, and a poignant salute to the region's soldiers, both serving and those who tragically died for their country. The event raised £550 for Help The Heroes. As reported, an inquest into the 30-year-old's death at Cleethorpes Town hall heard he had been killed by gunshot wounds to the chest and head during a raid on the fort.

However, it was never determined who had fired the shots, although a Royal Navy Board of Inquiry said it was a "friendly fire" incident.

Since the inquest, Mrs Ford, of Talbot Road, has been campaigning for more information about the circumstances surrounding her son's death to be made available to her. And she has had the backing of Cleethorpes and Immingham MP Shona McIsaac.

It was revealed last week that Mrs Ford will receive a visit from Armed Forces Minister Bill Rammell to discuss the issue.

For more information on Help For Heroes visit www.helpfor heroes.org.uk