A fireworks display raised more than £1,800 for HART (Henfield Area Response Team) in memory of a young footballer. Ben Bray, captain and manager of Henfield Football Club, died suddenly aged 27 a year ago. His father Stephen, who runs Steve Bray Coachworks in Woodmancote, organised the bonfire party at Woodmancote as part of the Ben Bray Memorial Fund. HART responders received the cheque from Stephen and Susan, Ben's step-mother - who herself raised £180 for HART with a sponsored bike ride. Ben's mother Andrea and two sisters were at the fireworks night which was attended by more than 300 friends and family with music by Speedboatz, fellow footballers and friends.
"HART is a vital part of the community," said Stephen. "As well as attending Ben they also attended my father, so this charity is very close to home. Ben loved fireworks and we decided this was the most fitting fund-raising event. It was a very special occasion and a spectacular display was put on by Aurora Fireworks." Stephen thanked Ian and Jill McNee for allowing the bonfire on their land, Sussex Wildlife Trust for the use of their car park at Woods Mill and everyone for their kind donations. Dick Nye, chairman of HART, said: "This was a very generous cheque and we are deeply grateful to Ben's family and friends for all their hard work."