Longcroft Honours Former Student – Sergeant Michael Lockett MC

On Saturday 19th December 2009, Longcroft School will be paying tribute to former pupil, Sergeant Michael Lockett MC, who was killed whilst serving in Afghanistan on Monday 21st September 2009.

Upon hearing the tragic news, a number of his friends discussed the idea of putting on an event to both commemorate his life, whilst at the same time raise funds for the military charity, ‘Help for Heroes’.  Despite now residing in various other places and countries, friends felt the natural location for this seemed to be the place they had all met:  Longcroft School in Beverley.

A representative from his friends contacted the school to see if this would be possible.  Lesley Hughes, Headteacher, takes up the story:  “When we heard about Michael’s death, those who taught him were shocked and saddened.  He is remembered as a lively, enthusiastic and popular young man and colleagues recall him with fondness.  When we were contacted to see if Longcroft could host this event, we said yes as we appreciated that his former school friends needed an opportunity to reunite and share memories, especially at such a poignant time as Christmas.”

Michael, who was a member of the 2nd Battalion of the Mercian Regiment (Worcester and Foresters), was the first fatal casualty of the Afghan conflict to also be a holder of the Military Cross, which was presented to him by the Queen in 2007.

Kelly Jackson, who was one of his school friends and is working with staff at Longcroft on the event, said:  “Michael was a good friend to so many people.  He was a cheeky chappy who grew up to be a great man, fantastic father and a brave soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice.  Whilst we want the day to be an opportunity for people to remember Michael and share their memories of him, we also want the afternoon to be lively and fun, reflecting the sort of friend we knew him to be.”

Running from 2:00pm until 4:00pm at the Longcroft Upper School site on Burton Road, off Molescroft Road, the School Theatre will be used a place of private reflection and remembrance.  The canteen and the main social area will see raffles, prize draws, refreshments and other activities to raise funds for charity.  Prizes include Hull City tickets, restraint vouchers, a mountain bike courtesy of Minster Cycles, tickets to Hull Truck Theatre, VIP tickets to see ‘The Saturdays’, hair and beauty vouchers, a round of golf at Beverley Golf Course, a family ticket to Scarborough Sea Life Centre and much more.
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Shortly after his death, Michael’s friends set up ‘The Lockett Fund’, through which funds will be raised for ‘Help for Heroes’.  To date, over £1,000 has been raised through everything from donations to sponsored events.  Kelly, herself, recently undertook a sponsored swim and she anticipates that the event at Longcroft will also raise additional funds:  “We hope that people, whether they knew Michael or not, will be able to come up to Longcroft for an hour or so to help raise funds in his name, which will support our troops that are both at home and overseas.”

The Mayor of Beverley, Councillor David Elvidge, also paid respects to Michael and those organising the event.  He said:  “Through my job I work closely with the Armed Forces and know the dedication the men and women involved give to their country.  Michael Lockett was a brave man and it is only right that we take time to reflect on his life, whilst at the same time remembering all our troops who are currently committed to serving their country.  It is to be commended that his friends and former school are organising this event and I would encourage as many people as possible to join them to both mark his life and raise vital funds for this worthwhile charity.”

If anyone has any questions regarding the event, or any businesses would like to donate further prizes, please contact Longcroft School’s Community Liaison Coordinator, Matt Snowden, on 01482 862171.