THE enduring legacy of a Blackburn Royal Marine who was killed in Afghanistan is to continue with a special event to celebrate what would have been his 30th birthday.

Marine David Fairbrother, from Beardwood, was killed by a single gunshot wound in the head during a security patrol in Helmand Province in 2011.

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The former Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School pupil, who was 24 when he died, had requested that any money raised in the event of his death should go to The Royal Marines Charity.

His family, comrades and friends carried out that wish and have so far raised more than £16,500.

His sister, Emily, said: “We are organising a charity ball to raise money for The Royal Marines Charities in February in memory of my brother David, who would have been 30 on February 23.

“This was a charity that was very important to my brother, and to my family, as they supported us through the very difficult time.

“The charity supports families of Royal Marines and Marines themselves going through difficult times with injury or personal problems.

“I have seen first hand the positive impact they have for everyone they help.

“For our charity ball we are aiming to raise as much money as possible to go to the charity.

“We are organising a raffle and auction as part of the fundraising and would be very grateful for any donations towards this.

“On behalf of all my family and friends I would like to thank everyone in the Blackburn community that have supported us over the past five years.

“With your continued help and support we are able to stay strong and keep David’s memory alive.”

More than 300 tickets for the event have already been sold and it will be held at a venue yet to be announced.

Marine Fairbrother joined the Royal Marines in November 2009.

He was drafted to 42 Commando Royal Marines where he joined Kilo Company.

At the time of his death he was described as ‘a highly motivated Royal Marine who was excelling in his first appointment’.

His passion for testing himself physically and mentally was epitomised by his hobbies of skydiving and water polo.

Those who would like to support the event can go to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Emily-Fairbrother2.