Family of tragic York soldier Lance Bombardier Matthew Hatton to climb Kilimanjaro (From York Press)

Family of tragic York soldier Lance Bombardier Matthew Hatton to climb Kilimanjaro

11:12am Saturday 24th October 2009

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THE family and friends of York war hero Matthew Hatton are to raise tens of thousands of pounds in his memory by embarking on a daunting expedition.

The 23-year-old’s parents, sisters and other friends and relatives hope to raise nearly £30,000 for Help For Heroes, which supports British troops injured in action.

Lance Bombardier Hatton, of Haxby, became the first York soldier to die in Afghanistan when he was caught in a double-explosion in August. He was a keen supporter of the charity and his loved ones now hope to help raise vital funds.

Eight relatives and friends will head to Tanzania next spring to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Each member of the group has been set a fundraising target of £3,400 for the seven-day hike, which will take place in March.

Matthew’s older sister, Vicky, 26, said the family had been inundated with offers of donations to Help For Heroes after a collection was held at his funeral at York Minster in September.

She said: “The whole response has been overwhelming, so I suggested to my mum and dad that perhaps we should try to do something proactive to raise money, rather than have people just giving donations.”

She contacted Help For Heroes, who suggested an organised trek up Mt Kilimajaro.

Vicky and her sister, Becky, 18, will be joined on the hike by their parents Phil and Jill, their cousin, Sarah Phillips; Vicky’s partner, Warren Jones; Sarah’s partner Charlie Twyman; and Matthew’s friend, Matt Segar.

“Most of us are already members of gyms, and my parents have already signed up to one,” said Vicky.

“It’s now a case of getting our fitness up, breaking in new boots and doing some walking and strengthening the leg muscles.”

Vicky said Matthew was a brave soldier, who continuously pushed the boundaries to improve his strength, skills and confidence, and said the family now wanted to push their own boundaries. She said: “Help For Heroes is a fantastic charity that supports courageous soldiers who have been wounded in action whilst deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Matt was a great supporter of this charity, therefore we have decided we would like to raise as much money as possible for this cause.”

Matthew’s mother, Jill Hatton, works at the Sherburn offices of Selby and District Day Centre. The centre on Brook Street, Selby, will open its doors on November 4 from 9.30am 11.30am for a fundraising coffee morning.

• Anyone who wants to sponsor Matthew Hatton’s friends and family can do so online, by visiting justgiving.com/matthewhatton>>

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