Fund helps ease 9/11 family loss

The fund has provided grants for new kit for young footballers

The family of a Brighton and Hove Albion fan who died in the 9/11 attacks have said a fund set up in his name has helped them deal with their loss.

Merchant banker Robert Eaton, 37, from Ditchling in East Sussex, worked in the World Trade Center in New York.

The Robert Eaton Memorial Fund, set up by fellow Seagulls fans to help young footballers, has now raised £45,000.

"It feels really positive to have something to focus on other than Rob's death," said his sister Angela Ridge.

Mr Eaton's three sisters, with his parents Doug and Laura, are in London on the fifth anniversary of the attacks on Monday to attend a private ceremony at the memorial garden near the US Embassy.

Mr Eaton is among the 67 British victims honoured at the Grosvenor Square garden.

A former pupil at Brighton College, Mr Eaton lived in Long Island, New York, with his wife Jacqui, who has since remarried.

The memorial fund has donated thousands of pounds to support under-privileged young footballers in Queens, New York as well as five football clubs in Sussex.

Among those to benefit are ASC Strikers, based in Shoreham, West Sussex, who have been able to buy new kit and equipment with grants from the fund.

"For the team it is brilliant, because the kids feel really good when they are out in new kit - it is good for team morale," said coach Peter Staines.