A FATHER is urging people to help him raise cash to keep the memory of his son alive.

Robin Dunkley’s son Tom, from Forest Hill, near Wheatley, died in a swimming accident off the Caribbean Island of Martinique in August 2008.

He had just discovered his passion in life – marine research and conservation – and was studying for a masters degree in Marine Conservation at Bangor University.

Tom had been swimming off the coast of the island when a friend realised he had not resurfaced. After 10 minutes of frantic searching, the 28-year-old was pulled from the water but medics were unable to revive him.

Following his death, Mr Dunkley, of Elderfield Road, Caversfield, near Bicester, set up the Tom Dunkley Memorial Fund at the university. It sponsors other students with a passion for marine conservation, so they can carry out their own research abroad in Tom’s name.

The first recipient from the fund started an environmentally friendly fish farm in Thailand.

One of the memorial’s biggest fundraisers takes place on Bank Holiday Monday, a clay pigeon shoot, organised by Mr Dunkley and Tom’s step mother Sally.

The event is open to everyone, from novice to experienced clay shooters.

Mr Dunkley, 64, said: “Tom had just found his niche in life.

“This was what Tom was going to do for the rest of his life. He worked so hard for his degree, he loved it.”

He described his son as an “adrenaline junkie who loved life”.

Mr Dunkley added: “Tom lived live in the fast lane, he loved it and he was someone very special.

“He wanted to try everything in life. I miss him terribly.”

Mr Dunkley said his son was a keen athlete, representing Oxfordshire as a 400-metre and 800-metre runner, an experienced climber and horse rider.

Bangor University awarded him a posthumous degree after his research notes were written up by his tutor and two friends.

The clay shoot, which is taking place for the third year running, starts at 10.30am on Monday, at Common Leys Farm, near Worminghall.

Tickets cost £30 for licence holders, £35 for novice taster sessions and £65 for non-licence holders. The cost includes equipment and tuition, and there will be prizes up for grabs.

For more information or to book call 01869 354949 or 07899 905851, or email info@greenfield entertainment.co.uk