Legacy of Hayling Island tragic crash will help save lives at sea with RNLI donation
VISIT From left, crew member Steve Hulatt, Jasons grandad Tom Wallace, Jasons father Daryle Matthews and crew member Graham Chapman
THE father of a young man killed in a car crash made a poignant visit to the charity where his legacy has been shared.
Jason Matthews, 22, and Perry Morgan, 21, were killed instantly when their car crashed in West Lane, Hayling Island, a year ago.
More than £4,000 was raised in their memory through Relentless restaurant, in Southsea, owned by Jason’s older brother, Scott.
Last week, his father Daryle Matthews and grandfather Tom Wallace visited Hayling RNLI lifeboat station where volunteers had just taken delivery of 10 of the latest lifejackets on the market, costing £330 each.
Jason – known as JJ – was a fisherman like his father, and grew up on the sea. He had always dreamed of becoming a lifeboatman.
Just two weeks before his tragic death he visited the Hayling Lifeboat Station to look into joining because he wanted to save lives at sea.
Mr Matthews, 48, from Hayling, said: ‘It was good to go down there.
‘I’m a fisherman so I’m supportive of the RNLI.
‘Hopefully the new jackets will save their lives – they put their lives in danger trying to save others.’
The lifejackets are a big improvement on the older style jackets with a better fit that gives improved visibility and more upper arm movement when carrying out a rescue.
Crew member Graham Chapman said: ‘They feel better, more comfortable and lightweight and give me a better view of my feet when clambering around on boats.’
RNLI operations manager Jonathan Bradbury, said: ‘We’re very grateful to the Matthews family for this donation which has enabled us to provide the most up to date equipment for our volunteer crew members.’
Jason’s family gathered together at his resting place to mark the anniversary of his death on September 1.
Mr Matthews said: ‘We had a little celebration of his life with a barbecue on the beach and a drink with a few friends.
‘We wanted to wish him well.’
Jason and Perry died when the Audi Jason came off the road and hit a large tree.
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Weather for Hayling
Wednesday 19 June 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 15 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 13 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 15 mph
Wind direction: South
