Debbie Merritt, a Holsworthy mother who last Saturday organised a Fun Day at Holsworthy Community College to raise funds for two charities, is confident she will exceed her target of £1,000 despite the disappointingly atrocious weather.

Her son, Lance Cpl Jon List, aged 22, was seriously injured while serving in Afghanistan when a bullet went through his neck and shattered his jaw.

Debbie was so grateful for the wonderful help and support they received from Help For Heroes and the St John and Red Cross Defence Medical Welfare Service that she decided to organise a fundraising Community Fun Day.

The event received wide support from many local organisations and individuals and, speaking afterwards, Debbie expressed her gratitude for the generous donations she received and the ready help given by so many people, especially Kim Cole and former marine Graham Florey.

"Despite the weather and people tending to gravitate towards the indoor activities and stalls, there was a nice atmosphere and it was a good experience," she said.

It was good to see Jon himself there, now well on the road to recovery, though the very next day he returned to hospital in Birmingham for another operation.