The parents of a boy tragically killed in a car crash are to hold a charity party in his memory.

Martin Fletcher, 13, was killed on September 11 last year after a collision with a Ford Fiesta on Canvey Road, Canvey.

When he was just 26 days old, Martin underwent major surgery for a hole in the heart at the Royal Brompton Hospital and his family has since set up a fund to raise cash for other youngsters.

As the anniversary of his death nears, his dad told how the family has coped over the last year.

Adrian Fletcher said: "We have been in a dark place for a while and things are no easier than they were last year.

"The first anniversary of his death is also coming up and that makes this a very difficult time.

"One of the things that keeps us going is the fund we set up.

"It is something my wife and I both wanted to do and it makes us feel that some good has come out of all of this. It makes us feel that Martin is bringing life to other kids."

Tickets for the party at the Monico Hotel in Eastern Esplanade on Saturday, August 18, have nearly sold out as family and friends flock to support the Fletchers.

The couple set up the Martin Fletcher Brompton Fund just weeks after their son's death and hope to raise £30,000 to buy a ventilator for the hospital. They have already notched up £15,700.

Suzanne Gray, owner of the Monico Hotel, said: "We just wanted to do what we could to help. I have children myself and I couldn't bear anything to happen to them."

Killed - Martin Fletcher

By Isabel Gompertz

Reporter's e-mail: isabel.gompertz@notes.newsquest.co.uk

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