Soldier's fund to aid youth projects

A memorial fund set up after the death of the British soldier, Stephen Restorick, who was shot by the IRA at a checkpoint in …

A memorial fund set up after the death of the British soldier, Stephen Restorick, who was shot by the IRA at a checkpoint in Co Armagh in February, is to be used to fund youth projects and encourage cross-community rehabilitation in Northern Ireland, writes Rachel Donnelly, in London.

Speaking of her wish to return to the spot where her son died and help organise the projects, Ms Rita Restorick said yesterday she "wanted something to come out of his death and this is one way I'm trying to make that come about".

After their son was shot by a sniper at the checkpoint in Bessbrook, Co Armagh, Mr and Ms Restorick set about organising the memorial fund. To date, the fund has provided a full kit for a girls' football team in Co Antrim. There are also plans for the fund to support several youth projects in the Newry and Mourne area.