Paratroopers and Red Devils make trip to Southam in memory of fallen soldier Jeff 'JJ' Doherty - The Rugby Observer

Paratroopers and Red Devils make trip to Southam in memory of fallen soldier Jeff 'JJ' Doherty

Rugby Editorial 18th Jun, 2019   0

RED Devils and paratroopers made the annual trip to Southam in memory of the town’s fallen soldier Jeff ‘JJ’ Doherty.

Each year the late paratrooper’s family organise a stretcher race in aid of JJ’s Memorial Fund – which supports injured paratroopers and the families of those killed in action.

And this year more than £800 was raised by supporters of the race.

It saw paratroopers carry a 200lb stretcher a two mile loop from JJ’s grave, down the high street and back.




The race was led by JJ’s brother Fin, who has also recently joined the regiment.

And despite high winds the Red Devils skydived into Southam Recreation Ground after the race had finished.


A family fun day was then held including bouncy castle, petting zoo and silent auction.

JJ’s mum and charity founder Joyce Doherty said: “June marks 11 years since we lost JJ in Afghanistan, and our annual stretcher race that is held in his memory was another wonderful day.”

Jeff was killed in an ambush in Afghanistan in 2008, two days after his 20th birthday.

Visit jjsmemorialfund.co.uk to find out more about the charity.

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