Memorial to be held for Red Arrows pilot who died 10 years ago today
Today marks the 10 year anniversary of the tragic death of Red Arrows pilot, Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging, who died when his aircraft crashed at the Bournemouth Air Show in August 2011.
The youth charity founded as a legacy to Red Arrows pilot Flt Lt Jon Egging has released a poem to mark the anniversary of the accident.
Jon Egging Trust students from across the UK collaborated in writing the poem, 'My Future Dreams', to reflect the impact that the charity's work has had on their lives.
The poem will be presented as a plaque to Bournemouth Mayor, Cllr David Kelsey, during an evening ceremony tonight in Bournemouth.
The plaque will be installed as a permanent addition to the Jon Egging Memorial at East Cliff in Bournemouth.
JET CEO, Dr Emma Egging, who set up the charity in her husband's name, said that the poem was a fitting way to mark the anniversary and reflect on the positive impact that the charity has had on the 30,000 young people it has supported since 2011.
Emma says: "In June 2011, Jon wrote in his diary: 'With support where and when necessary, we are all equally capable of being the best versions of ourselves.' It's something we talked about a lot".
"The last ten years have been an incredible journey turning this vision into a reality. I am so proud of what we have created in the Jon Egging Trust, empowering young people who are struggling to engage at school to believe in themselves and develop core competencies which are crucial to their success, such as teamwork, communication and resilience".
"Whilst this 10th anniversary year is about acknowledging the difference we have made over the last decade, this is only the beginning. We have big ambitions for the decade ahead which will see us expand our offer to support young people after they leave school too".
The poem, written by students including those from Twynham School, Dorset and West Moors, Middle School, Dorset, reads:
"My Future Dreams
The sun always shines in the darkness of day,
JETs fly by with roaring thunder,
Helped by a team working together.
Having a blast, no two sessions the same.
So much fun but lots to gain.
Jon Egging has inspired us all to keep going,
To take strides each day,
Helping us to see the way to our future.
Built with determination and strength,
My future dreams are full of courage and enthusiasm.
Step by step my confidence grows
And my fear is swept away.
Learning big skills, knowledge and thrills,
Into our future we fly.
I'm now above the clouds and the light is shining on me
Flying high to a bright future,
Feeling free to climb to my destination".