Lee Mackie, the Mother of Jason Mackie, a Royal Marine who was killed in Afghanistan in 2009 is supporting a campaign to locate a Memorial Bell on the repatriation route between RAF Brize Norton and the John Radcliff Hospital in Oxford.

The proposal would see the installation of a 31”, 644lb bell that would toll to signal the approaching cortège.

Representatives from the group that was responsible for the design and construction of the Memorial Garden which include the Royal British Legion visited Whitechapel Bell Foundry in London last week to see and hear for themselves what the bell would look and sound like.

Mike Henderson, the Chairman of Oxfordshire Royal British Legion described it as a “Call for action” stating: “We want to raise money ourselves to purchase the bell and work with the community to raise the funds needed during the coming months.  The proposal to install a Memorial Bell will ensure repatriations in Oxfordshire are dignified.”

Steve Radband, whose son is currently serving in Afghanistan and who visited Whitechapel Bell Foundry said: “We listened to a number of bells during our visit and as soon as I heard the bell we’ve selected I knew it was the right one. We just want to raise the money as soon as possible now.”

The proposal is to install the bell in a permanent tower at a cost of £18,000.

Payments can be made online at www.localgiving.com/memorialbellappeal or at any Lloyds TSB Bank – quoting:

Sort code:                   30 80 45
Account:                      26725460

Cheques should be made payable to The Royal British Legion (Memorial Bell) and sent to:

The Memorial Bell Appeal
Royal British Legion County Office
3 St Andrews Court
Wellington Street
Thame
Oxfordshire
OX9 3WT