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£30,000 raised for good causes in Aidan's memory
More than £30,000 has been raised for good causes in memory of a young soldier killed in Afghanistan.
Community organisations were "gobsmacked" when a memorial fund set up in memory of Rifleman Aidan Howell, of Desborough, who was killed protecting his comrades in December, handed out thousands of pounds in a ceremony on Saturday.
Dean Ward, who is a member of the fundraising committee, said: "It's an absolutely fantastic amount.
"It sums up the effort the local community has given in his memory. It's a very fitting tribute to Aidan."
Rifleman Howell was involved in many of the beneficiaries, such as FC Aztec, the Army Cadets and Desborough Youth Club. His former schools, Havelock Junior School and Montsaye Community College, received more than 1,500.
But the fund committee also chose to share the money with all the schools in Desborough and Rothwell and youth groups of which Rifleman Howell was not a member.
Mr Ward, who went to school with Rifleman Howell's father, Stephen, said: "They were all genuinely surprised at the amount of money they were receiving for their organisations.
"Each and every one of them was gobsmacked at the money they received.
"When I announced the total amount raised there was rapturous applause."
Capt Ben Morgan and several soldiers from Rifleman Howell's regiment, Third Battalion The Rifles, came down from Edinburgh to receive a 7,500 donation for the regiment's benevolent fund.
Mr Ward said: "Everybody was just in awe with respect for the soldiers and what they do. It brings home the fact of what these lads do on a daily basis protecting us and keeping this democratic country safe."
More than 15,000 of the money handed out on Saturday was raised with a sponsored walk in June, which more than 200 people, including soldiers from The Rifles, took part in.
Disco benefits at the Grampian Club in Corby, Kettering Athletic Club and Rothwell Town Football Club, donations at Rifleman Howell's funeral and the sale of wristbands also raised thousands of pounds, most of which has been given to The Rifles' Benevolent Fund.
Mr Ward said the memorial fund has helped Rifleman Howell's family to come to terms with the loss of their son.
He said: "It's a bit of an emotional roller coaster. As the year has gone on the meetings became less stressful for Stephen.
"You get a good buzz from knowing that they are taking strength out of the fact that there is a feeling for Aidan."
Mr Ward said the family want the sponsored walk to become an annual event.
He said: "The main aim is to ensure Aidan is never forgotten."
Groups to benefit include:
Third Battalion The Rifles
FC Aztec
Army Cadets
Desborough Youth Club
Rothwell Corinthians FC
St John Ambulance
St Giles Church
Several schools
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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