Memorial to honour Declan and serve as warning to others

A MEMORIAL stone in the shape of a motorbike will stand as a permanent safety reminder at the spot where a young man died after being hit by a train on his 22nd birthday.

Declan Callum, also lovingly known as ‘Big Dec,’ was killed by the train on a railway near Binley Woods while offroad motorcycling with friends on October 4, 2012.

The keen footballer from Potters Green was described by his loved ones as “a gentle giant with the biggest smile and heart”.

Every day for the last six years, his mum Angela has been to his grave to pay tribute.

But this year will be extra poignant as the lasting monument to her son - and warning to others - is being created.

A temporary memorial was set up by Angela and her husband Steve, but now they want something permanent that will warn people to not cross the railway line.

She said: “We want to put the stone memorial in place at the location where he was killed to warn others to not go over the railway line.

“The stone will be in the shape of a bike to remember Declan, but at the minute it isn’t quite finished yet.

“I want it to be where it happened so that if others go to the same spot and go to walk over the railway line - they will think again.

“I’ve seen dog walkers, groups of kids, families all walk across those fields, but why they do it when there’s a railway, I don’t know.

“It should all be fenced off so people can’t get to it.”

Angela told the Telegraph she has still never visited the site where her son died.

“I still go every day to his grave, but we are now ready to have a memorial stone erected where it happened,” she added.

“I have never been there but it is time to do this. People need to learn about the dangers.

“I’m trying to do some good out of my lad’s life by making people come together that day in honour of my lad and to raise money for people who need it.

“The hope is that this memorial stone will deter others from the dangers of railway tracks and if it could save just one life then our beautiful Decs passing is not in vain.

“He was my boy and he was everything in my life. I want people to remember my son, this is why I have to do this in memory of Declan.”

Every year, the family hold a fundraising day to raise money for different charities.

Tens of thousands of pounds has been raised over the years, and this year is no different.

Money raised will be put towards the memorial stone, but any funds leftover will be given to a chosen charity.

Angela added: “Prizes have already been donated to the day, including a 50-inch television and a golf day.

“We just want Dec to be remembered, and we know he was so loved by everyone who takes part in the fundraisers. All of his former teammates and London Road Lions, and his opposition all come together to celebrate his life.

“I would love to thank all of them for everything, especially John from Edmonson’s Electricals for donating every year. They are truly amazing.””

This year the fundraising day will be held tomorrow at the Sphinx Social Club from 1.30pm until 8pm. An honorary football match in his name will take place at 3pm consisting of his team - the London Road Lions - against former opposition teams.

Anyone who wants to make a donation in support of the memorial event Angela’s husband Steve on 07815 877 678.