Moffat Academy pupil Jimmy Tester wants to remember his three pals, Tyler Johnston, Finlay Johns and Ian Cannon, who were killed in a fatal road crash on the A711, Dumfries to Kirkcudbright road, on March 16, 2022.
And friends and family members will unite at the Academy football field on July 8 in memory of the trio. There will also be a fun day event taking place at the same time with a raffle.
Jimmy, 14, said: “I was really close with them. I thought I would do something for the community to get together and show the mums how much all three of the boys were liked and how thought of they still are.
“Being their friend, I really wanted to do something for them. Everyone knew them.
“It’s such a small community, I think everyone needs to be there for each other.”
The memorial has gathered phenomenal support from Moffat businesses and the community who have donated prizes for the event.
Money raised will be split evenly with Brake — a road safety charity — and the Scottish Ambulance Service.
Jimmy has thanked all the businesses in the town for their incredible support and says if any others in Annandale are interested to get in contact with him.
He added: “The reaction to the memorial has been really good. We’ve got a lot of people who want to play and some nice donations from Moffat businesses.
“Pretty much every business in the town that I’ve spoken to has donated which is fantastic and so generous.
“To all local businesses and individuals who have donated so far, I would like to say thank you so much. If anyone else would like to donate prizes then please get in touch.
“This shows that people are supporting the idea and shows how much Tyler, Finlay and Ian were loved.”
The mums of the three boys who passed away — Gemma Kaye Mills, Julie Jackson and Marie Cannon – say they can’t thank Jimmy enough for running with the idea and have also hailed the reaction from the Moffat community.
Gemma, mum of Tyler, said: “The loss of the boys had a tremendous impact on our little town. The amount of empathy and compassion shown helped us through some of our darkest moments.
“The amount of support this event has been given is overwhelming and I can’t thank everyone enough for keeping the boys’ memory alive.”
Marie, mum of Ian, added: “We are so proud of Jimmy for doing this charity event. It means the world to us that our boys’ lives are being remembered with such fondness and support from Jimmy, his family and all the people – friends and family – within the community.
“This memorial charity match and fun day at the school would never have been possible without wee Jimmy’s support.
“As you can imagine it was a little overwhelming for Gemma, Julie and myself but we are very proud and are pleased that all proceeds will be going to well-deserved charities.”
And Julie, mum of Finlay, said: “As parents, siblings and families of one of the boys, we are grateful to Jimmy and his family for coming forward and putting this event together.
“As parents of three teenagers that tragically lost their lives that day, we wanted to do something in memory of them, however at this time it was just to difficult for us to organise.
“I know I speak for myself and the other parents when I say we are extremely grateful for the amazing community support.
“We would just like to take this opportunity to thank Jimmy for all of his hard work.
“I know that the boys will be there in spirit on the day.”
Raffle tickets will soon go on sale. For more information on donating prizes or being involved in the match call 07884147666
