Family honours fallen son byraising money for heroes

A SERIES of fundraising events to raise money for the charity Help for Heroes are set to be held in memory of Lance Bombardier Matthew Hatton, who died while serving in Afghanistan.

Lance Bombadier Hatton, 23, from York, was killed in a double explosion in Helmand Province in August last year.

His sister Vicky Hatton, who lives in Sheffield, is set to launch the family’s charity drive at Ponds Forge International Sports Centre on Friday, February 12, when she will host a cocktail party featuring a drinks reception, casino tables, live music and prize giveaways.

A group of eight family members and friends of Lance Bombadier Hatton will also take on the challenge of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in March.

Miss Hatton said: “Local Sheffield businesses have been so generous it’s been quite overwhelming. Sheffield International Venues, which operates Ponds Forge, has donated the Skyline Suite to host the event, so without them this wouldn’t have been possible, along with Steel City Promotions providing the casino tables and Arup for sponsoring the drinks reception.

“I know it’s going to be a really unique night in Sheffield and give people in the community something to look forward to.”

The Hatton family are hoping to raise tens of thousands of pounds for Help for Heroes, which supports wounded servicemen and women.

Miss Hatton added: “Matt was a hard working and brave soldier, who continuously pushed the boundaries to improve his strength, skills and confidence.

“In honour of Matthew we wanted to do something really positive and push our own boundaries by taking on a huge fundraising challenge, and actually being fit enough to climb Kilimanjaro.

“Matt was a great supporter of this charity, therefore we really want to raise as much money as possible for this cause.”

Tickets for the cocktail party cost 15 and can be purchased from Sheffield Theatres box office by calling 0114 2496000.

Helen Broadbent, general manager at Ponds Forge, said: “Help for Heroes is a fantastic charity that supports courageous soldiers who have been wounded in action whilst deployed in action in Iraq or Afghanistan.

“We are delighted to be hosting this event and hope the fundraising is a huge success.”