Justice for Carl wristbands to help fund legal costs
Published: 09:10, 28 December 2011
Wristbands in memory of murdered former teacher Carl Davies have gone on sale in shops and pubs across the area.
The blue and white bands with the words Justice for Carl are the brainchild of his aunt Tracy Hudson.
The ex-Royal Marine was murdered while on the south Indian Ocean island of Reunion on November 9.
It was initially reported he had died after falling into a ravine.
The married mother of three said: “It’s in blue and white because Carl supported Everton.
“The money [raised through the sale of the bands] will go towards getting the justice that Carl deserves.”
The family need the cash to help with a prosecution on Reunion when Carl’s killer is arrested.
Mrs Hudson added: “If the money is not required for legal costs it will be divided between three charities that he supported – MS Society, Help for Heroes and the Duke of Edinburgh.”
Mrs Hudson ordered 2,500 silicone bands less than two weeks ago but they proved to be so popular with friends and family and the wider community that there are now just 300 left. Another order for the same amount was placed on Monday .
The 50-year-old Minster resident said: “I’ve had someone in Northern Ireland who bought 11 bands.
“I also sold some at the wake and they’re in so many different shops.
“To date we’ve raised £2,500.
“It’s helped me. I think when anyone dies we want to do something and this is what I feel I can do because I like organising things.”
More than 500 people attended the 33-year-old’s funeral which was held at the Garden of England Crematorium, in Sheppey Way, Bobbing, last Tuesday .
His parents Maria and Andy, who live in Hollingbourne, decided to make it an open service so anyone who knew the former Isle of Sheppey and Sittingbourne Community College teacher could attend.
Mrs Hudson said: “I would like to say thank you to everyone for their support. Myself and the rest of the family are completely overwhelmed by the immense support that everyone has shown and I hope they will continue to show their support by buying the bands.”
The bands in memory of Carl cost £2 and are available from the following:
The Shurland Hotel; Eastchurch; Old House at Home, Queenborough; Angels, Sheerness; Images, Sheerness; Gore Court Arms, Sittingbourne; Kelly’s Klippers, Milton Regis; Costcutter, Sheerness; Balloonatic, Sheerness; Oasis Plumbing, Sheerness; Woodstock FC; Smiffy’s Barbers, and Ypres Tavern both in Sittingbourne.
The bracelets can also be purchased from eBay. Just type in Justice for Carl in the search engine.
Anyone interested in selling the bands is asked to make contact via the Facebook group Justice for Carl.
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Gemma Constable