Hike in memory of late Marine Alex Tostevin

Tuesday 21 August 2018

A group of friends of the late local marine, Alex Tostevin, will be taking on a 30-mile hike across Dartmoor next month in his memory.

Mr Tostevin died suddenly earlier this year, aged 28, having served with the Royal Marines for the majority of his adult life.

Jamie Lucas, Ben Le Poidevin, James Chapple, Giorgio Venosa and Joe Cowens all grew up in Guernsey and went to the Guernsey Grammar School with him. They will also be joined on the memorial hike by Mr Tostevin’s 24-year-old sister Shelley Tostevin and her friend Maddie Wilson. 

Mr Lucas, 28, said their friend lived life to the full and they wanted to do something in his memory while also raising money at the same time.

"While we cannot bring Alex back, we now wish to pay tribute to him and promote the excellent work and professionalism of the UK’s armed forces and ensure that those serving our country and their families receive additional support during ill health, following injury or death," he said. 

Mr Le Poidevin, 28, added: "We have therefore decided to raise money in aid of the Royal Marines Charity and the SBSA (Special Boat Service Association). All money raised will go towards supporting these charities in their efforts to provide both physical and emotional support to service members and their families and friends."

Pictured: Alex Tostevin in an image provided by his family ahead of the hike in his memory

The group have been preparing for the hike, which will take place over the weekend of 1 and 2 September.  Dartmoor is frequently used by the British military, including the Royal Marines for training. It is somewhere where Mr Tostevin spent a significant amount of time during his early career.  

More than £4,500 has been raised for the two charities so far with further donations welcomed here. 

Pictured: Mr Tostevin was laid to rest in Guernsey after his sudden death earlier this year. He was afforded the honour of a full military funeral in recognition of his service to his country. 

Mr Tostevin died in the UK in March. He was honoured with a full military funeral at the Vale Church in April - which attended by his family, friends and fellow military personnel. 

Among the mourners were his parents, sister and grandparents. Speaking ahead of the hike, Miss Tostevin said: "Alex was the most awesome big brother.  I’m very proud to be taking part in this hike in his memory.  I’m hoping our efforts help raise funds for these two special charities which were close to Alex’s heart. Our country’s servicemen and women give their all for us every day - most often unseen and unsung and these charities are there for them in their times of need."

During his time in the military Mr Tostevin saw active service in Afghanistan. He was given an honourable mention in dispatches for outstanding bravery following an attack on his unit where he continued shooting, saving the lives of his comrades, despite having been wounded himself. 

Anyone who would like to donate to either of the two charities in Mr Tostevin's memory can do so by visiting justgiving.com/teams/Tosty2018.

Pictured top: Alex Tostevin in an image provided by his family