THE family and friends of Royal Marine David Fairbrother who was killed in Afghanistan last month are to take part in a series of adrenaline-fuelled fundraisers in his memory.
The 24-year-old Blackburn serviceman was known for his love of extreme sports and his mum Julie, sisters Ruth and Emily, friends and family, plan to continue his legacy in aid of the Royal Marines’ Charitable Trust Fund.
David’s cousin, Julia Hobman, 32, from Blackburn, said: “His mum has devoted her life to her children.
"This is a focus for her and she wants to pay the Marines back in kind for their support and so that other families can benefit as she has.”
Julie, 53, will take part in a skydive. Her son completed more than 100 in his spare time.
His younger sister Emily, 20, wants to swim Lake Windermere and elder sister Ruth, 30, will train for the Great North Run next year.
A group of friends will compete in the Tough Guy 2012 event in Wolverhampton in January after David took part three years in a row.
Next year his friends will dress in pink tutus in tribute to his school nickname of ‘Fairy’ — adapted from Fairbrother.
The former QEGS pupil, from Beardwood Brow, was killed last month while on patrol in Helmand with his 42 Commando Kilo Company.
His funeral was held at Blackburn Cathedral on Tuesday.
Julia said: “At the wake, his friends had put on a slideshow of all the crazy things he packed into his life.
“His mum was the first to stand and applaud.”
To donate, go to www.justgiving.com/david-fairbrother
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