THE father-in-law of a soldier killed in Afghanistan has pledged his support for a challenge to raise money for his regiment.

Paul Bearsby, whose son-in-law Corporal Ivano “Sean” Violino was killed last month when his vehicle came under attack in Helmand province, is to sponsor one of the teams taking part in The Mall Chequers Three Six Challenge tomorrow (Saturday) .

The challenge, which was launched after Cpl Violino’s death on September 17, is raising money for a welfare fund to help members of Maidstone’s 36 Engineer Regiment and their families.

Mr Bearsby said when he heard about the challenge, which will see teams competing in six physical challenges, he felt sponsoring a team was something he wanted to do.

He said: “The chances are if Sean was still around it was something he would have wanted to be part of, so I could have ended up sponsoring the Army team anyway.

“We really appreciate anything that is done to support the Boys.”

Mr Bearsby said his family had been touched by the support received from friends, family and Maidstone residents after Cpl Violino’s tragic death.

He told how sympathy cards had been left at Invicta Barracks for the family from unknown people.

The Mall Chequers centre manager Paul Alcock said seven teams, including the one from the Army, have now signed up and more than £4,000 raised for the fund.

Teams, consisting of four men and two women, will be competing in six physical challenges, including indoor rowing, cycling and stepping.

The challenge will be launched at 10am in the centre by TV presenter Geoff Clark and each team taking part is contributing £500 to the fund.

If you can help, call the Maidstone Town Centre Management on 01622 678777.