More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A permanent tribute to fallen Sheppey soldier Daniel Holkham has been unveiled at a quiet village cemetery.
A trust in Daniel’s name has also been launched by his family so Islanders will benefit from his memory.
The plaque was unveiled during a service at Warden Bay Cemetery in Leysdown Road on Monday – which would have been Daniel’s 20th birthday.
The 19-year-old was killed by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan on Saturday, March 27.
Around 60 of Daniel’s friends and family, as well as the Mayor of Swale Cllr Steve Worrall and MP Gordon Henderson, attended the dedication of the plaque.
Fr Barry Birch took the service before Daniel’s mum Tracy removed the Union Flag to reveal the plaque, which has been put up on the lychgate in the churchyard.
The plaque has been commissioned by Warden Parish Council and it is also hoped a memorial bench will be put up in the churchyard.
Cllr Pat Sandle said the council was honoured to be able to do something for Daniel and the cemetery was the right place as it is where the village’s memorial services are held.
Monday was also the launch of The Danny Boy Trust (DBT) which has been set up by his family to support schools, clubs and organisations for young people on the Island.
Sheppey children will benefit from the trust which will raise funds to provide books for their schools and equipment for their clubs.
Almost £1,000 was raised for the trust at the weekend at the Leysdown-on-Sea Carnival, where there was a float in Daniel’s memory, with the sale of wrist bands and a collection bucket.
There will be fundraising events and new wrist bands will be made and sold to celebrate Daniel’s life.
Daniel’s dad Rodney said he wanted to thank everyone who went to the service and the family felt it was an unbelievable response.
He added: “The Island has given us the utmost respect and help through our grief so if we can give something back and make some good by giving back, then that’s what we will do.”
