Tribute to fallen serviceman laid at memorial for HMS Sheffield.

A GRIEVING mother’s dearest wish came true when Honiton barber Alan Rowe MBE delivered a tribute to the Falkland Islands in memory of her late son.

The specially-made wooden pebble, bearing a plaque with Darryl’s name, was placed at the memorial to HMS Sheffield on Sea Lion Island last week.

Darryl lost his life when the frigate was struck by an Exocet missile during the Falklands War in 1982.

His mum, Marge, asked if a memorial could be taken to the Falklands on her behalf after reading in this newspaper that Mr Rowe was due to run the Stanley Marathon.

Mr Rowe is the founder of the non-political Baton charity, which promotes support for service personnel and their families.

“The location of the memorial and the reason why we were there became intensely moving,” said Mr Rowe.

“Our duty was done with a moment’s silence as we looked out to sea.”

The trip to the memorial at Sea Lion Island followed previous trips to other memorials during Mr Rowe’s two week stay in the Falklands.

He visited Pembroke Point to see the Atlantic Conveyor memorial, Hooker Point, a new memorial to HMS Glamorgan and Wireless Ridge where there is a memorial to 2 Para overlooking Port Stanley.

Ranked serviceman Tim Lowe, Hugh Marsden, of Exmouth, and Teslin Barkman, of The Penguin News, ran with a team from the islands’ junior school to Mount Tumbledown.

“The run finished with a short climb and, in total, was a good eight miles,” said Mr Rowe. “I gave out inscribed Baton medals to all the children and teachers who took part.

“All the feedback from the schools has been wonderful and very encouraging.”

Mr Rowe had previously been filmed giving a talk in assembly about the Baton charity at the islands’ senior school.

He went on to enjoy a private two-hour meeting with the islands’ governor, Nigel Haywood, who revealed Mr Rowe had once cut his hair!

He presented him with penants from the people of Honiton and the Baton charity.

“The islanders were incredibly supportive of the Baton and offers of help were overwhelming,” said Mr Rowe.