Afghan bomb victim Corporal Stephen “Whisky” Walker has been remembered during an afternoon of music in Kirkcaldy.
The much-loved ex-navy chef turned Royal Marine Commando died last May after a roadside bomb went off while he was on a routine patrol in the war-torn country.
On Sunday friends and family gathered to celebrate his life and those of others who have fallen while serving their country at a Rock for Heroes event at Kitty’s nightclub. Live bands, a raffle and auction all featured during the extravaganza.
Stephen’s wife Leona said he would have loved the event.
“Although it is a sad time Steve would want us to be positive remember the good times, happy times,” she added.
“He was passionate, loyal and determined. He enjoyed the role he had in the Marines but he was a family man at heart.”
Stephen’s mother-in-law Helen Lamont is also convinced he would have approved of the fund-raiser.
“Stephen liked music and his sister thought something like this would be appropriate because he liked to have a good time when he was out,” she said. “However, he was also a real family man and he loved family gatherings. We wanted the event to be a happy day.”
Kitty’s owner Mario Caira offered the venue free of charge and all proceeds will go to The C Group, a charity helping Royal Marines who need support coping with injuries or settling into civilian life.
Stephen, who was latterly based at Taunton, was born in Northern Ireland but made Fife his home after marrying Leona.
The father-of-two’s funeral was held at St Kenneth’s Parish Church in Kennoway last June.
Stephen was killed while conducting a joint foot patrol with members of the Afghan National Army near Patrol Base Almas.
He had served in the armed forces for 24 years, having joined the Royal Navy shortly after his 18th birthday. During his early career he qualified as a cook and served at HMS Raleigh and HMS Cochrane as well as on board HMS Cleopatra.
To find out more about The C Group visit www.thecgroup.org