AN event to celebrate the life of a Southampton pupil will take place this month

The event at Richard Taunton College will remember Jack Dowding, who died after complications with juvenile diabetes.

As reported the public services student and Saints mega-fan died aged just 20 at his home in Hedge End in January 2017.

His death prompted outpourings of grief from around the Southampton community and beyond.

A campaign to hold a minute’s applause for Jack at Southampton’s cup clash with Liverpool in January last year was organised by his friends as soon the news he had died was shared on social media.

The #20mclapforjack campaign was picked up on social media, even prompting a message of support from Southampton FC on Twitter.

The club encouraged its fans to join in the round of applause in the twentieth minute of the match.

Tributes also flooded in from fans of YNFA, a large Facebook footballing community page ‘Liked’ by more than one million people.

Thousands of reactions were posted from football fans across the globe, alongside hundreds of messages of condolence.

Last year the college held an event to remember Jack, and released hundreds of red and white balloons in his honour.

Now a memorial event at the Hill Lane site will include the unveiling of new sports dugouts dedicated to Jack's memory and funded through donations. There will also be a football match between staff students and alumni.

A member of the Saints Foundation will referee and there will be a special guest appearance from Sam McQueen, Saints FC defender.

It takes place on April 25.

Programme

2-2.10pm Arrival / band playing / start of raffle sales

2.10-2.15pm Welcome & intros

2.15-2.25pm Remembering Jack Laurence Dowding

2.25pm Cutting ribbon (dugouts) Laurence Dowding & Sam McQueen

2.30-3pm Match kick off and start of BBQ/sale of foundation items

3-3.10pm Half time. Photo/autograph opps and questions Sam McQueen

3.10-3.40pm Second half of match

3.40-3.45pm Closing remarks / thanks