To mark 10 years since a beloved bomb disposal expert who was based in Bicester was killed in Afghanistan, fundraising events in his memory are being held throughout the year.
Charlie Wood had been leading the clearance of a route in the Helmand River Valley when he died in a blast from an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on December 28, 2010.
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A charity night planned a decade to that fateful day had to be cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions in his hometown of Middlesbrough, so instead different activities are being held to raise money for Help for Heroes.
Bernie Nicholson who is married to Mr Wood’s mum, Barbara, has set himself the target of raising £1,000 and walking 2,000 miles this year.
Mr Nicholson said: “Charlie was more than a great bloke, he was full of life and love for others, who he always put first above himself.
“He cared for the welfare of his soldiers, he always went the extra mile to look after his men. He was outgoing and life of any part, he lit up a room as soon as he walked into it.”
As a Warrant Officer Class 2 with Bicester-based 23 Pioneer Regiment, The Royal Logistic Corps, Mr Wood was an advanced search adviser serving with the Counter-IED Task Force.
He had joined the Army in 1994 and also served in Iraq and Bosnia.
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On Christmas Day 2010, the 34-year-old arranged a Christmas dinner for 150 soldiers, presents and an appearance from Santa while on the same day co-ordinating the clearance of a 20kg improvised explosive device (IED).
Tragically, Mr Wood was killed by an IED just a few days later.
A Facebook page and group have been set up with details of other fundraising events planned throughout the year including online auctions and a rescheduled charity night this December.
Mr Nicholson is always looking for donations for raffle and tombola prizes as well as his fundraising eBay page.
He added: “These past 10 years have been incredibly hard for the family but we wanted to do something for Help for Heroes as it’s a charity that was important to Charlie and one that I continue to support.”
Event information and donations can be made through the Fundraising Events in Memory of Charlie Wood Facebook page.
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