BSAC divers’ auction in memory of soldier killed in Iraq

London City Scuba SAC is auctioning donated scuba kit in memory of a special forces soldier who loved diving.

The club hopes to raise at least £1,200 for a bursary fund in honour of Major Matthew Bacon, who was killed by a roadside bomb in Basra eight years ago aged 33.

The eBay auction for the BCD will run from 22 May until the 31 May but donations can also be made now via www.justgiving.com/LondonCityScuba.

Matthew – known by his family and friends as Matt – was an adventure lover with a passion for high adrenaline outdoor pursuits including sky-diving, snow-boarding and his much-loved scuba diving.

Devastated by his death, his parents clung on to Matthew’s personal belongings.

It is only now, eight years after his loss, that they have been able to bring themselves to sort through them. His father, Roger, then contacted his local club – London City Scuba – to see if they could make use of Matthew’s dive kit.

London City Scuba members are now helping Mr Bacon to sell one of Matt’s BCDs – a Zeagle Ranger LTD jacket – which was brand new and had been unused at the time of his death.

They decided to sell the jacket online via eBay, as well as promoting it through the charitable JustGiving website, where donations to the bursary can also be made.

Club member Ray Peck said the club was moved to get involved: “Matthew was clearly an extraordinary person with a zest for life and his family are doing all they can to preserve his memory in a way that will help others to get the most out of their lives. What we are doing is not just about the sale of his jacket but about boosting a fund which offers invaluable opportunities to young people.”

Mr Bacon said that he and his wife have been deeply moved by the positive response of the club and everyone who has donated so far.

He said: “The club has gone to great lengths to help and we are extremely grateful to them for that. I know Matthew would also be proud that his diving equipment was being put to practical use and benefitting others.”

All money raised will go to the Matthew Bacon Bursary Fund, as part of the Outward Bound Trust, enabling army cadets who may not otherwise be able to afford it to go on life-changing outward bound courses.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/LondonCityScuba.