A man from Gedling today saw his fundraising efforts finally pay off as a new war memorial he raised over £19,000 to help pay for was unveiled in the town’s cemetery.
The new memorial honouring the lives of fallen service men and women was unveiled this morning (June 23) at Carlton cemetery
The memorial was created thanks to the campaigning of local resident Paul Gunter, whose nephew was killed whilst on duty in Afghanistan. When Paul realised there was no appropriate war memorial for his nephew’s name to be etched on, he began fundraising to have one installed at Carlton cemetery.
Paul has raised over £19,000 for the memorial which included a £10,000 contribution from The National Lottery Fund. The council has provided the land and will cover any future costs and maintenance.
Councillor Alex Scroggie, ward member for Carlton Hill, has also assisted Mr Gunter with the installation and logistics for the unveiling event.
A special ceremony was held this morning at the cemetery and will mark the seventh anniversary of the death of Paul’s nephew, Lance Corporal Martin J Gill who died on June 5,2011.
His name alongside 170 others is etched on the graphite stone.
The Mayor of Gedling, Cllr Barbara Miller, was in attendance at the unveiling and a march on the day by a local cadet group also took place before the ceremony started.
There was also a one minute silence and the playing of the Last Post on the bugle.
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke said: “I’d like to thank Paul and Cllr Alex Scroggie for their work to get this memorial in Carlton.
“It’s very important we remember the men and women who lost their lives fighting for our country. This memorial will be a fitting tribute to them all and especially to Paul’s nephew, Lance Corporal Martin J Gill and it will ensure will never forget what they did for us.”
Many thanks to all that attended the Dedication of the Memorial on Saturday. 181 names are remembered of those K.I.A. from Carlton.