A BIG-HEARTED fundraiser is aiming for more skyrocketing success with a popular community fireworks extra-vaganza.

Organiser Jon Gabb is dedicating the Southill fireworks on Saturday to the memory of his father, who died in March.

Now in its 15th year, it is hoped that as many people as possible help the event go off with a bang.

Jon’s dad Maurice Gabb, who was a huge fireworks fan, suffered from Parkinson’s disease.

All proceeds from the charity fundraiser will go to the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust, a charity that provided respite care for Mr Gabb.

Jon said: “My dad was the original organiser of the Southill fireworks. It started off with him doing them in the back garden.

“He lived for fireworks and he absolutely adored them.

“I remember he always used to shake my hand after the fireworks. Even when he was bedridden my mum used to put him by the window and he would watch them every year.

“He would grab my hand and say: ‘good show.’”

After the fireworks a volley of ten heart-shaped fireworks will be fired in memory of Maurice Gabb, Greta Badcock, John Badcock and Janet Street.

The Southill fireworks event is funded through non-profit sponsorship from companies in and around Southill.

Thousands of pounds have been raised for charity over the years.

Pyrotechnics crew Anytime Fireworks will be providing the display.

Jon, 39, who grew up in Weymouth and now lives in Ringwood, said it takes six months to organise the event.

The Weymouth Volunteer Academy will be providing 30 event stewards.

Stalls will be set up around the playing field with charities and non-profit organisations selling refreshments.

Music and entertainment will be provided by Jon’s brother Paul Gabb.

Dad-of-one Jon said: “I get a lot of satisfaction out of organising it. I’ve been dabbling with fireworks all my life.

“When you design a display and have 3,000 people watching it, it’s a fantastic feeling. For a lot of people, the Southill fireworks is an early Christmas family gathering. Lots of people have parties on the evening. They watch the fireworks and they go back home and carry on with the party.

“There’s a massive community feel to the event.” All the fun begins at 7pm.

People who attend the event are encouraged to make donations on the night or to send donations by text message. They should text PYRO88, followed by a space, with the amount they wish to donate – such as £1, £5, £10 or £20, to 70070.

Donations can also be made through the Just Giving page at justgiving.co.uk/SouthillFireworks.

All donations will go direct to the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.

For more information see the website southillfireworks.co.uk

Doing their bit

The Southill Fireworks is made possible through support from sponsors and Jon’s friends and family.

The sponsors of this year’s event are: Refrigeration Specialists Ltd, the John Gregory Pub, Albion Shipping Services, Bridwey Precision, Rib Rescue, Active Mobility, Ageas Insurance, Spar Newsagent – Southill, Damers Blinds and Awnings Ltd, Barlett’s Garage, AKI Ltd, SL Williams, Angel Pharmacy, Advoco, Shampers of Southill, Snooker Club, Dave Kerr – All Decorating Needs.