Memorial Service to commemorate Britons killed in terrorist attacks abroad

7 Sep 2006 11:15 AM

The 13 British victims of Sharm el-Sheikh, Kusadasi and Doha bombings are to be commemorated later this month at a national memorial service.

The service will be held on Wednesday 20 September at 2.00 pm in Southwark Cathedral in London. It will remember those who died in, and those who survived last year's terrorist attacks in Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt), Kusadasi (Turkey) and Doha (Qatar). The service has been organised by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport on behalf of and in consultation with the bereaved families. The families will be joined at the service by representatives of faith communities, the affected countries and relief agencies which have provided assistance.

The Culture Secretary, Tessa Jowell, is responsible for supporting the UK victims of terror attacks. Ms Jowell said:

"Terrorist attacks last year, both at home and overseas, devastated the lives of those who were caught up in them and those who were left behind. On 20 September we will remember and pay our respects to the thirteen people whose lives were so tragically cut short in Egypt, Turkey and in Qatar. And we will also remember those who were survived the attacks and those who were bereaved. Last year bombers turned family holidays into terror and death. It is important that we all take time to reflect and remember the victims of these terrorist atrocities."

The service will be led by the Dean of Southwark, the Very Reverend Colin Slee. The Bishop of Lincoln, the Right Reverend Dr John Saxbee, will preach a sermon, reflecting the large number of bereaved families from Lincolnshire. During the service the names of the 13 victims will be read aloud, and 13 candles will be lit. A bereaved relative will give a reading, as will Ms Jowell.

Notes to editors:

Background to the attacks:

* One Briton, Jonathan Adams, was killed by a bomb in Doha, Qatar on 19 March 2005, when a car bomb exploded outside the Doha Players' Theatre.

* One Briton, Helyn Louise Bennett, was killed and six British nationals from one extended family group were injured when a tourist minibus was destroyed by a bomb in the resort of Kusadasi, Turkey on 16 July 2005.

* On 23 July 2005 11 Britons were killed by three blasts in the Egyptian resort town of Sharm-el-Sheikh. Additional background on the attacks attached. They were: Leslie Ayers, Alan Bentley, Noleen Bentley, Valerie Bracci, Keri Davies, Matthew Fulham, Charith Jayawardena, Jeremy Lakin, Annalie Vickers, Hannah Lloyd and David Sayer

The 7 July Assistance Centre - which provides support for those affected by the 7 July London bombings - also offers support to the bereaved families and survivors of these attacks. The centre provides face-to-face contact with trained counselors and support organisations, and is funded by DCMS.

Further details on the service:

The service starts at 2pm and is expected to finish at 3pm. Further details of the contents of the service will be issued shortly before the event.

Public Enquiries: 020 7211 6200
Internet: http://www.culture.gov.uk

Department for Culture, Media and Sport
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London SW1Y 5DH
www.culture.gov.uk