Thomas's legacy lives on through memorial fund

MORE than £7,000 has been raised in the memory of a popular dale farmer who lost his life after a tragic motocross crash.

Part of the cash raised by the family of Thomas Brown, who died during a motocross event near Low Hardwick Farm, at Sedgefield, in April, will go to ensuring there is adequate first aid at races.

Barnard Castle was brought to a standstill when more than 60 motorbike riders revved their engines as part of Mr Brown's funeral cortege on May 20.

His coffin was carried to St Mary’s Church on a trailer drawn by a John Deere tractor.

His sister, Charlotte Brown, said some of the money that has been collected will go to the Great North Air Ambulance Service, which took Mr Brown to The James Cook University Hospital shortly after the accident.

The remainder of the money will help establish an annual memorial event run jointly by Mr Brown’s family and the many friends he made through farming and motocross.

More than £1,000 was raised through a charity night at the Bengal Merchant Merchant restaurant, in Barnard Castle, where Mr Brown was a regular along with his family and friends.

Restaurant manager Mufti Choudhury said: We knew Thomas and his family from years back. He would always wave when he went past and he used to come in.

“He was a really lovely lad who was always smiling. He was popular and everyone just liked him.

“It was a really good night. People came from as far as Chester-le-Street. There was a great atmosphere.”

Ms Brown added: “The curry night was a huge success. It was heartwarming to see 90 of Thomas’s family and friends attend to support the charity night.

“Everyone enjoyed a two course meal provided by Bengal Merchant, which was Thomas favourite local Indian. Mufti made organising the night easy, and staff on the evening were excellent.

“Lots of local businesses generously donated raffle prizes which where raffled on the night.

“In total £1,305.50 was raised on the night which will be added to money raised so far in Thomas’s memory. The total is at present £7,432.”

The curry night, held on July 4, featured a starter and a main meal with rice and naan bread.

Anyone who would like to support the fundraising appeal can visit justgiving.

com/crowdfunding/k-law-1.

The first memorial weekend is planned for September the 16 and September 17 at Haverigg, west Cumbria. Any body wishing to enter can contact Sam Burns on 07872 583662.