Stars' homage to heroes at special charity night

By smorgan sion morgan sion.morgan@swwmedia.co.uk

BRITAIN'S fastest-rising comic talent James Cordon has helped raise thousands of pounds at a charity evening inspired by a young soldier who lost his life in Afghanistan.

Jonathan Hetherington, aged 22, died in August 2006 while on active service in Helmand Province.

In tribute to him, a special event has been staged, organised by Jonathan's family, to raise funds for the charity Help for Heroes, which supports wounded servicemen and women injured in the conflicts UK troops are engaged in around the world.

Among the guests were stars from television's Gavin and Stacey show and Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps.

Jonathan's older sister Sam and mother Sandy were the brains behind the evening at Swansea's Dolphin Hotel, with their friend Sarah Tilley, who sang on the night.

In total, more than £11,000 was raised.

Sam, aged 27, said: "It was a fantastic night, exceptional actually.

"Jonathan would have been very proud. The evening wasn't in his memory, but if Jonathan hadn't died then this would never have happened. He inspired us really — it was an evening in his honour."

Jonathan, who was single, was brought up in Neath and attended Cwrt Sart Comprehensive School.

His family later moved to Port Talbot and he enlisted in the Army in Swansea in 2000.

During his time in uniform he served with 14 Signal Regiment in Germany, Kuwait, Iraq and the Falkland Islands.

He died fighting the Taliban during an attack on his platoon house in the lawless province.

The evening saw entertainment provided by female vocalist Sarah, as well as by Victoria Trahar and her Academy of Irish Dance.

There was also a prize draw and auction, with items such as VIP seats for an Ospreys match, and a night's accommodation at Morgans Hotel being given away.

Sam added: "We had a special guest as well, in the form of James Cordon from Gavin and Stacey and his girlfriend Sheridan Smith, who's in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps.

"They conducted the raffle and had prizes to auction off.

"James gave away a book which was given to him by Robbie Williams at the Brit awards, which raised £800."

And Sam says the night flew by so quickly that there are still items to be given away.

She added: "Help for Heroes is having another event soon, so we might donate the items to them.

"Or we might organise another event depending on whether my mum's nerves can take it!''