Mother sets up fund in memory of late son

Tommy Ramshaw who died at Shoreham level crossing SUS-160803-173714001

Jeanette Compton, 45, of Nicolson Drive in Shoreham, lost her son, Tommy Ramshaw, in February after he was hit by a train at Shoreham’s level crossing in Brunswick Road.

It would have been his 21st birthday last week, so Jeanette launched Tommy’s Fund, to support other families who have lost a young adult through accidental death or suicide.

The fund aims to help provide for parents where financial support may not be available to them, and provides £3,000 in instalments over the course of six months.

Jeanette Compton, mother of Tommy Ramshaw.

Jeanette, who runs The Craft Tea gift shop in Warwick Street, Worthing, said: “Tommy was a larger than life character and I would hope something positive comes from his death.

“It has been really tough. We had the most amazing day for him but it is now that we could do with some help. So the idea is to help fund families who have lost young adults.

“There is not a lot of financial help out there for mothers or families on low incomes, but not on benefits, who lose their older children.”

There will be a number of events organised for the new fund, including a fun day at Buckingham Park on August 27.

Jeanette was supported by friends and the community following Tommy’s death, raising £4,000 towards his funeral costs along with a donation from the Henry Hicks Foundation.

Jeanette added: “The generosity from the community and friends was overwhelming, so we were able to give Tommy the send-off he deserved.

“We hope to be able to return the favour from the Henry Hicks Foundation through our fundraising. It is really important to us to remember Tommy with laughter and joy.

“He was a fun person so I want this fund to be fun. It is now about supporting other families, and there has to be something to help them.”

To learn more about Tommy’s Fund, readers can visit the website www.tommysfund.org.uk or the Facebook page m.facebook.com/tommysfund

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