Events mark killing anniversary

Michael Chapman was killed as he walked home in June last year

The family of a teenager punched and kicked to death on a playing field in Kent are holding a series of events to mark the anniversary of his death.

Michael Chapman died on 16 June 2006 after an attack in Sittingbourne, Kent. A former friend, Lee Cowie, is serving four years for his manslaughter.

A sponsored walk is being held in the town on Saturday ahead of a candlelit service at the spot where Michael died.

"We need everyone's support, and so does Michael," said his father, Lloyd.

"People say that it gets easier as time goes by, but for us it hasn't, it has got worse.

"We are saying to people, 'This is something that happened in your community, not somewhere else in the country'."

Repair path

Michael is buried in St Bartholomew's churchyard near the family home at Bobbing, near Sittingbourne.

Mr Chapman said the walk would raise funds to repair a path in the churchyard, which would cost at least £10,000.

A memorial fund in Michael's name would then continue to raise money for items such as wheelchairs or bicycles needed by under-16s in the community.

The Mayor of Swale will begin the memorial events by unveiling a plaque in Bobbing.

Walkers will be joined by X-Factor contestant Ben Mills, from Kent, who will unveil a bench at the playing field where Michael died.

"This is a very hard time for us but we have got to focus and make this a really fantastic walk," said Michael's mother, Sue.

"We want it to be wonderful but it is going to be a very hard and upsetting walk as well."