A COMMEMORATION walk to mark the 10th anniversary of a former rifleman from Bournemouth who lost his life on patrol in Afghanistan.

Born in North Shields Jonathon Allott, who attended The Bourne Academy, formerly known as Kings High School, served with 3 Rifles and died from his wounds following an IED blast, in Helmand province on Friday 5 March 2010

Organisers of the event are appealing to other families who have lost a family member to come along and join in the walk as a form of commemoration for the sacrifice that they have also made

Jonathan’s mother Andrea Johnson said: “We just wanted to do something for his tenth year. We remember him every day, but this year is obviously a big year, so we wanted to do something special.

“We have got some of his mates that he served with coming along to do the walk as well.

“We’re just hoping Jonathan’s friends who he went to school with and those who knew him from years ago also make the effort to come along, but anyone is welcome to the walk.”

On November 16, 2008 he enlisted to join the Army and was sent for training at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick, completing this at the end of May 2009.

Jonathan was deployed to Sangin, Afghanistan, in September 2009 where he was employed as the front man in his patrol, responsible for clearing the ground of improvised explosive devices.

Andrea added: “Around this time every year, I think about him a lot, but I don’t know what it is this year but more than most other years I have been having flashbacks and vivid memories

“We have become close friends with Above and Beyond since Jonathan’s passing. Over the years we have got to the know them very well.

“We meet them at remembrance services, and they helped get Jonathan’s name on the memorial in town.”

The memory walk will also be held to raise money for Bournemouth Above and Beyond Trust, a charity which support ex-military personnel and serving military with re-integration to civilian life.

After the walk, attendees are invited to retire to Aruba where there will also be a raffle to raise money for the charity.

Trustee of the charity Bob Wright said: “The fact that Andrea has thought to support our charity at this poignant event for her son Jonny Allott has humbled us.

“As a charity, Bournemouth Above and Beyond Trust strive to help veterans who are in need, by having regular meetings and paddle-boarding sessions, meeting educational needs and giving a sense of purpose by helping the local community.

“By holding this event and supporting our charity, Andrea and her team are not only raising money but also elevating our public profile to the local community and we really appreciate the support.

“We are looking forward to joining Andrea on her walk on Saturday 7 March 2020 not only to show our appreciation of what she has done but also to remember her son a Bournemouth hero and the ultimate sacrifice Rfn Jonny Allott gave.”