Events To Remember Hampshire Schoolboy

29 June 2013, 06:58 | Updated: 29 June 2013, 07:17

A special day's being held in Eastleigh later - to remember a 6-year-old autistic boy who died in a school shooting in the US.

Dylan Hockley was born in Hampshire but moved to America, he was killed at Sandy Lane Elementary last year and friends and family are holding lots of events today (29th June) to remember him and raise awareness of autism. Dylan was diagnosed with autism while still living in the UK.

The family fun day will kick off at 12.00pm at The Hub in Bishopstoke, Eastleigh to celebrate Dylan and raise funds for Hampshire Autistic Society. There are a variety of craft stalls, taster sessions including massage and scuba diving, entertainment, as well as a five-aside football tournament which will include teams from Hampshire Constabulary, Hampshire Fire & Rescue, as well as a local veteran football team featuring a number of ex-Saints players.

The highlight of the event will be an evening party and BBQ for 250 with live music, an auction which will include a signed running vest (signed by Jessica Ennis, Christina O and Robbie Grabarz) a football shirt from Theo Walcott and an introductory PADI Open Water diving course.

Lin Trott, organiser and friend of Dylan's parents, said: "We've had a tremendous response from Eastleigh residents and businesses as well as those farther afield including book authors in the US who've heard about what we're doing and have promised books to raffle.

"Dylan left us six months ago and we really want to give a positive outlook to our loss - this day will help other autistic children across our area as well as raising awareness of the condition.

"It promises to be an amazing day and we hope as many people as possible will join us for some good old fashioned family fun!"