Albion to create garden to honour Shoreham victims

The club said it wanted to create "a lasting and meaningful tribute" to all those who died

Brighton & Hove Albion has announced plans to set up a memorial garden to honour the 11 men who lost their lives in the Shoreham air crash 10 years ago.

The football club said it would open and maintain a space in New Monks Park, Lancing, close to the site of the airshow crash, which happened on 22 August, 2015.

The garden will remember all those who died, including Matthew Grimstone, who was part of the grounds staff at the club's training ground in Lancing.

Paul Mullen, the club's chief operating officer, said: "Matt was loved by all the staff and was a fantastic character to have as part of the club and around the team."

He added: "The crash had a real impact on his close colleagues but also on the wider staff base."

Matthew Grimstone was in a car with his close friend Jacob Schilt when the Hawker Hunter jet crashed onto the A27 shortly before 13:20 BST.

The Worthing United football players were on their way to a match at the time.

Jacob Schilt (left) and Matthew Grimstone were on their way to a football game when the crash happened

An Albion spokesperson said families of the victims would be involved in the design process for the garden, which will also be supported by Adur District Council.

Mr Mullen said initial design work had begun and the aim was for early stages of work to start in 2026.

Paul Barber, chief executive of the club, said the anniversary "feels like the right time to create a lasting and meaningful tribute" for the community.

He said: "We know this is a deeply important project for the families of those directly and indirectly affected, and indeed the wider community, as Shoreham air crash had such a profound impact on so many lives.

"We hope this memorial garden will offer a peaceful space for reflection and remembrance for everyone, and we are grateful for the support of the families as we move forward."