Neighbours raise cash in memory of hero soldier

An appeal has been set up in honour of Paratrooper Daniel Gamble, 22, from Piltdown Rise, who died on June 8 while he was on patrol in the Halmand Province.

The money will be given to a number of military charities, including an appeal to set up a new wing at a military hospital in Afghanistan.

Sally North, a neighbour and family friend, said: 'I have known the family for 20 years.

'Their boys and my boys played together in the close and played football together.

'We wanted to do something worthwhile, flowers are so expensive and die off in a few weeks.

'The family has said they would rather the money goes to a good cause to help injured servicemen.'

The chosen charities are the Army Benevolent Fund, Help for Heroes, the British Limbless Ex-Serviceman Association and the Afghan Trust.

Sally said there had been a fantastic response.

She said: 'I started the appeal with a friend of mine and we've already collected 415.

'Every single home in Piltdown Rise has made a donation.

'So far we've raised 415, we spent 65 on a small reef for the service and the rest has been put into a bank account in Dan's name.

'We've have also to ask the two schools that Dan went to (Uckfield Community Technology College and Manor Park Primary School) if they can help.

'The Uckfield Lions and Uckfield Rotary Club have also said they want to make a donation and the Fourth Uckfield Scout group have given us a free pitch at their Fiesta day in Luxford Field on Saturday and we hope to get some more money there.

'It would be fantastic if other people could contribute and help the family to think the whole town is supporting them.'

If you would like to make a donation an account has been set up in the name of The Private Dan Gamble Memorial Fund in the Uckfield branch of Nat West bank.

Or if you think you can help with the appeal call Sally on 01825 763392 or co-organiser Yvonne Coleman on 01825 763473.