A fund set up in memory of a Brighton soldier has donated £10,000 to Blind Veterans UK in Ovingdean.
The Cpl Sean Reeve Tribute Fund handed over the money in memory of Cpl Reeve who was killed in Afghanistan in June 2008 at the age of 28.
The fund was set up when his family were given money raised by his former teacher, Chris Jones, and some of the pupils of Cardinal Newman Catholic School.
They handed over the money last year and wanted Cpl Reeve’s family to be able to donate it to a charity of their choice in his memory.
Cpl Reeve, from Patcham, was killed on his last day of duty while serving as a special forces signaller with the 63 (SAS) Signal Squadron (Reserve).
The £10,000 donation came from a company called Innserve, Britain’s biggest independent drinks dispense service company.
One of Innserve’s staff, Major Stuart McHenery, served with Cpl Reeve some years ago.
Cpl Reeve, a Sussex University graduate, and Major McHenery were members of the 884 Signal Troop based at Highcroft in Dyke Road, Brighton.
Cpl Reeve was then a Lance Corporal and Major McHenery was the Staff Sergeant.
He joined Cpl Reeve’s parents Bob and Rosaleen and sister Heidi to hand over the £10,000 to Blind Veterans UK, which was known as St Dunstan’s until earlier this year.
They handed over a cheque was presented to Blind Veterans UK’s president Raymond Hazan at the charity’s base in Ovingdean.
Cpl Reeve’s mother said: “We are completely overwhelmed and very touched that Stuart McHenery and his colleagues at Innserve have made such a generous donation.
“As a volunteer at the charity’s Brighton centre I know that the money will be put to excellent use improving the lives of blind veterans.
“We would also like to thank everyone else who has made donations to Sean’s fund.”
Major McHenery said: “Sean was a very good lad, extremely competent and well liked by all.
“He was the kind of guy you wanted on your side because you knew he would stick by you and get the job done.
“Innserve Ltd is delighted to be able to donate £10,000 to the Cpl Sean Reeve Tribute Fund in memory of Sean and the great contribution he made during his time in service.
“All money raised for the fund will support Blind Veterans UK which helps blind ex-servicemen and women.
“News stories often focus on those who have tragically lost their lives during the war but what people might not realise is that a far greater number of people suffer severe injuries while serving, including sight loss.
“Blind Veterans UK supports these people, as well as veterans who have lost their sight after they have served, by providing them with high quality services to enable them to regain their independence.”
