THE FAMILY of a young man tragically killed in a double fatal Suffolk road crash have set up a charity in his name to raise money for lifesaving hospital equipment.

THE FAMILY of a young man tragically killed in a double fatal Suffolk road crash have set up a charity in his name to raise money for lifesaving hospital equipment.

With the first anniversary of Darren Welton's death having just passed his grieving family are determined he will leave behind a positive legacy for others.

They are hoping to raise �17,000 through the Darren Welton Charity to buy a Monsoon ventilator for the intensive care unit of the James Paget Hospital, in Gorleston, where he died.

The crash on the A145 at Henham, on January 23, sent shockwaves through the local community in Kelsale, where 20-year-old Mr Welton lived and Leiston, where he grew up.

It also cruelly ended the life of his friend Samuel Fordham, 28, from Saxmundham.

Lucy Norfolk, Mr Welton's cousin, is now hoping to fill out Martlesham Village Hall, next Saturday, for a fundraising night to raise money for the charity.

The 27-year-old receptionist from Badingham has organised a band playing a mix of pop and rock to travel from London for the event. Club Legend has also promised to donate a percentage of the proceeds of their album sales to the charity.

A raffle with exclusive prizes, a meal and fundraising games will also be included in the night.

Miss Norfolk said: 'The hospital have agreed to put Daniel's name on the ventilator in memory of him.

'Unfortunately this equipment is not funded by the Government and so far we have so far raised nearly �5,000 and would like to thank everyone.

'It means a lot to us, especially his mum and dad. It has helped keep their minds off it and they are doing things to keep busy.

'Once they get the ventilator and put his name on it that is one goal reached and they will keep raising money for the James Paget Hospital.

'That was the hospital he was taken to and where they tried to save him.'

The Monsoon ventilator will help keep punctured lungs inflated whilst surgeons carry out lifesaving operations.

Tickets for the evening event at Martlesham, on February 21, cost �3 each and the hall can cater for up to 190 people.

Anyone wanting to enquire about going should call Miss Norfolk on 01728 831128.