Memorial service for Britons killed in terror attacks

Thirteen Britons who died in terrorist bombings in Sharm el-Sheikh, Kusadasi and Doha bombings will be commemorated later this month at a national memorial service.

The service will be held on Wednesday September 20 at 2pm in Southwark Cathedral in London. The Dean of Southwark, the Reverend Colin Slee will led the service, while the Bishop of Lincoln, Dr John Saxbee, will preach a sermon.

During the service, the names of the victims will be read out and candles lit to commemorate them.

A bereaved relative will also give a reading, as will Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell.

One Briton - Jonathan Adams - was killed when a car bomb exploded outside the Doha Players' Theatre in Qatar on March 19 last year.

Another Britain - Helyn Louise Bennett - was killed and six British nationals from one extended family group were injured when a tourist minibus was destroyed by a bomb in the resort of Kusadasi, Turkey on July 16.

Eleven Britons were killed in three blasts in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm-el-Sheikh. They were: Leslie Ayers, Alan Bentley, Noleen Bentley, Valerie Bracci, Keri Davies, Matthew Fulham, Charith Jayawardena, Jeremy Lakin, Annalie Vickers, Hannah Lloyd and David Sayer.

Commenting on the service, Ms Jowell said: "Terrorist attacks last year, both at home and overseas, devastated the lives of those who were caught up in them and those who were left behind. On September 20 we will remember and pay our respects to the thirteen people whose lives were so tragically cut short in Egypt, Turkey and in Qatar. And we will also remember those who survived the attacks and those who were bereaved. Last year, bombers turned family holidays into terror and death. It is important that we all take time to reflect and remember the victims of these terrorist atrocities."

(KMcA)