Tommy Blackmore’s grieving family has invited everyone who knew him to release a balloon in his memory, on what would have been his 21st birthday today.
The life-long Millwall fan was tragically killed in June after he stepped in to break up a fight outside a nightclub near Tower Bridge.
Police were called to Queen Elizabeth Street just after 2.30am early on Saturday June 13 to reports of a “disturbance”. They found Tommy “critically injured” and rushed him to hospital, where he died around an hour later.
An impromptu shrine to Tommy appeared almost overnight where he died and huge crowds gathered for his funeral last month.
On the day Tommy would have turned 21, his older brother Bradley told the News he hoped this would be a chance for everyone to remember the man Tommy was.
“It’s going to be a celebration for Tommy,” said Bradley. “Everyone’s welcome. Bring the biggest balloon you can get!”
Anyone is welcome to write a message to Tommy on their balloon and release it at 5pm on Stave Hill in Rotherhithe.
Tommy and Bradley were both involved in setting up the Fight for Cancer charity boxing events and now the family is hoping well after the balloons have been released, Tommy’s memory will live on in the charity they have set up in his name.
“I want to keep Tommy’s name going,” said Bradley. “I want him to be remembered for what he was.
“He was a loving kid. It still don’t feel real. He’s the last one that should’ve happened to.”
A 28-year-old man was arrested and charged with Tommy’s murder in June. He has been remanded in custody and will appear at Central Criminal Court on November 29.