THE fiancee of a Penarth marine who died training for combat is one step closer to her goal of erecting a memorial for servicemen and women in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Sian Woodland, who lost her fiancé Paul in 2012, is fundraising for a memorial honouring all people from across the Vale who lost their lives after the Second World War until today.

Miss Woodland’s aim is to raise £17,500 for the memorial, and has so far raised £2,000, with the Vale of Glamorgan Council saying they will donate a further £7,500.

A fundraising event was held on the weekend for the memorial, with 80 people turning up for a quiz at Penarth Yacht Club.

An extra £1,000 was raised for the memorial fund on the night, with a raffle including prizes such as a Pandora bracelet, sweets from local store Umpa Lumpa, perfume and beauty vouchers.

Speaking about how the night went, Miss Woodland said: “We’re completely overwhelmed and a step closer to reaching our goal.

“We are looking at organising a family fun day in August for our next event.”

Miss Woodland is aiming to raise the money for the memorial by April next year, as the council will only be holding the money until then. She is encouraging local businesses and residents across the Vale of Glamorgan to back the campaign.

“The memorial will bring awareness to the community about our fallen soldiers and also history and awareness to the children in our community,” said Miss Woodland. “It’s just another place you can go to remember that person who died - some people don’t like going to graveyards so this is something different that they can visit instead.”

The memorial will include all servicemen and women who have died wearing their uniform - and those who have died during training like her fiancé Paul.

Miss Woodland is looking for businesses and companies to help support the campaign and to donate items to the various fundraising events she will be holding.

She is also wanting to speak to family members of those who have died since the Second World War to get in touch with her regarding the memorial.

To contact Miss Woodland, email Sian.woodland@yahoo.com or call 07957377866.

Visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/vog-memori al