An official charter has spelt out the ambitions of a memorial fund established to ensure tragic Fife soldier Darren Lackie is never forgotten.
The Black Watch soldier never returned from what should have been a dream holiday with his girlfriend Ashleigh in Portugal last month.
As we reported, Darren (21), from Cupar, died in hospital three days after being found unconscious in the popular Albufeira resort.
Police initially put his death down to an accidental fall but his father Graham believes he and Ashleigh had their drinks spiked and that Darren was then murdered. Investigations into his death are continuing.
Meanwhile, efforts to ensure Darren’s memory lives on in his hometown are gathering pace. Family friend Rod Whyte set up the Darren Durrant Lackie Memorial Fund and says a formal charter has now been drawn up.
It states that the aim of the fund is “to establish a common good fund for Cupar furthering the wellbeing and advancement of Cupar young citizens from toddlers to teens.”
The charter spells out several ways to achieve that goal:
Work in tandem with local business organisations to advance these ambitions while actively seeking to procure premises to invite and encompass specific forms of supervised sporting activities. Suggest themes and help with fund-raising drives to help finance the said ambitions, while attempting to recreate and enhance the community spirit of Cupar, starting with the young. Seek co-operation from local authority offices with a view to position of a number of picnic tables in the Haugh Park in memory of Darren and to depict the sponsor’s name.
The charter also suggests that a “justice account” be established to assist with legal, financial and travel costs should they arise as investigations into Darren’s death continue.
Rod is sure Darren would approve and revealed that hundreds of pounds had already been raised.
He said, “A music quiz in the Imperial was a resounding success the place was packed. Together we raised £262 for the fund.”
He added that locals are “right behind” the memorial plans.
Rod said, “Special thanks must go to the winning team for putting the first prize of £40 back into the fund. Some raffle prizes were also returned.”
He added that sponsor forms are already out in pubs ahead of a charity sky-dive next month.
Meanwhile, auditions will be held for Cupar men to take part in the town’s version of The Full Monty imaginatively titled Get Yer Kit Aff.
Rod said, “Anybody interested can email whyterk@gmail.com, leaving your name and contact details.”
Results from a football quiz will be revealed soon and a “fun weekend” has been pencilled in for the Golf Tavern on May 28 and 29.
Rod said, “Darren was a great guy a real Cupar lad. I hope this fund will do some good while helping to ensure he is not forgotten by the people of Cupar.”