Memorial fund set up for victims of Reading terror attack
A fundraising page has been set up to raise money for a memorial dedicated to the victims of the Reading terror attack.
James Furlong, David Wails and Joe Ritchie-Bennett died in a knife attack in Forbury Gardens on Saturday evening.
The page, set up by the Phantom Brewing Company in Reading, says the nature of the memorial 'will be chosen by the families of the victims and arranged by Reading Borough Council.'
It goes on to say any excess funding will be used to support further initiatives in memorial of the victims, in accordance with their families' wishes.
So far, more than £1,600 has been raised.
The page can be accessed here.
On Tuesday (23 June) the families of the victims paid tribute to them.
James Furlong, 36, worked as a teacher at The Holt School in Wokingham.
His parents said: “James was a wonderful man. He was beautiful, intelligent, honest and fun. He was the best son, brother, uncle and partner you could wish for. We are thankful for the memories he gave us all. We will never forget him and he will live in our hearts forever."
David Wails, 49, was a senior scientist at a global chemicals company and a friend of the other two victims.
David's mother Joan, brother Andrew and sister Anne said: “David was a kind and much loved son, brother and uncle who never hurt anyone in his life. We are broken-hearted at losing him and in such a terrible way. We will treasure our wonderful memories of him and he will always be with us in our hearts”
Joseph Ritchie-Bennett, 39, had moved from the UK to the US around 15 years ago.
His brother, Robert Ritchie, a captain in the Philadelphia police force, told the Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper : “We used to play together every day. We rode bikes together every day.
Joseph's father said: “I was absolutely blessed and proud to be Joe’s father for 39 years and we are heartbroken by what has happened."