SSAFA Southend supported Mr King’s carer in arranging the funeral and encouraging the public and other organisations to attend, ensuring that he had a good send off.
Michelle Turner-Everett at SSAFA Southend arranged for a bugler and flag bearer to attend. In total, around 200 members of the public including the air cadets attended.
Michele Turner-Everett, Divisional Secretary of Southend & Rochford, SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, said:
“It is incredibly sad when a veteran dies with no friends or family to celebrate their life and service to our country.
“After hearing about the funeral for RAF veteran Leonard John King, SSAFA Southend arranged for a bugler and flag bearer to attend to ensure our respects were paid to this brave man.
“SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity provides lifelong support to the Armed Forces community and their families. We were honoured to be able to help ensure Mr King had a fitting celebration of his life.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been providing lifelong support to our Forces and their families since 1885. Every year our staff and team of volunteers help more than 67,000 people, from Second World War veterans to young men and women who have served in more recent conflicts.
For more information visit www.ssafa.org.uk and follow us on Twitter: @SSAFA.
