Weymouth family fun day in memory of marine returns for its second year

Shelley Robertson from Weymouth organised the event at the Redlands Community Sports Hub in light of the roaring success of the fun day she put on last year, which saw more than eight hundred people turn up and raised £4,500 for Scotty’s Little Soldiers

The fun day was in memory of Royal Marine James Wright, who was killed in Afghanistan nearly six years ago, at the age of just 22.

Shelley, who described James as a “very outgoing” person with “an infectious laugh”, was 23 at the time of James’ death and pregnant with their daughter Lily .

Shelley and Lily were given a great deal of support by Scotty’s Little Soldiers, as a charity which helps children who have lost a parent serving in the armed forces.

Shelley said that the charity helps children in a number of ways, giving allowances for swimming lessons, providing birthday and Christmas presents, and paying for them to go on holiday.

Added to this, they send letters to the children, all with a special Scotty sticker.

Shelley said: “As soon as that comes through the door it makes Lily smile.”

The fun day featured live music from bands including Stereoironics, Tequila Mocking Bird, Blazin’ Strings and Peacock Suit, which was broadcast throughout the afternoon by Air FM. There was a bouncy castle, a bouncy slide, donkey riding and rock climbing.

There were also food and drinks stalls, a jewellery stall, a stall for the Scotty’s Little Soldiers charity, an ice cream van and a charity raffle.

Shelley said it would be good to match the money raised last year, but said that even two thousand would go a long way.

She said: “Two thousand will pay for four families to go on a holiday.”

She also thanked New Image Tiles, Kitchens and Bathrooms for sponsoring the event.

She said: “We have had companies donate £3,500 of raffle prizes and Matrix Scaffolding has done the stage for us.”

She added: “The support we got from the community was incredible.”