THE former college of a fallen Royal Marine held a moving remembrance service and presented a trophy in his memory.
South Downs College, in Waterlooville, has a memorial to Mne Richard Hollington, which is where the Remembrance Service was held this afternoon, in front of around 1,000 staff and students.
Mne Hollington was a student on the uniformed and public services course before joining the armed forces.
Current students from Stirling and Mountain Troop squadrons paraded in their fatigues, in front of the granite memorial.
And staff and students placed poppy wreaths beside it after the two minutes’ silence.
Richard’s parents Robin and Jenny, from Petersfield, were unable to make the service as they were at their son’s unit, 40 Commando, in Somerset.
Students played stirring music, including the last post and the moving poem, In Flanders Fields by John McCrae was read out.
Helen Hill, Mne Hollington’s former tutor who is now in charge of pastoral care, explained the significance of the Richard Hollington Memorial Trophy.
She said: ‘It was established last year and awarded to the tutor group that raised the most amount of money for Help for Heroes in his memory.
‘The trophy will now be awarded annually to either a student, a group of students, and individual or a member of staff.
‘This year the award is presented jointly to deputy principal Dr John Manterfield and head of curriculum for sport and uniformed services, Yvonne Elliott for their support, enthusiasm and dedication in ensuring that all students have the opportunity to achieve their goals.’
Mne Hollington attended the college between 2003 and 2005. He was killed while on patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan in July 2010.
Since then his family and friends have fundraised tirelessly for Help for Heroes and also Hounds for Heroes.
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