A GoFundMe fundraising campaign was launched this week to raise £50,000 to create a memorial mural and reflection garden in Cwmbran in memory of three local men who lost their lives while serving in Afghanistan – Private Kyle John Adams, Private James Prosser, and Corporal Michael John Thacker.
The team behind the project wants it to be a “peaceful public space where people can pause, reflect, and honour not only these three servicemen, but all soldiers past and present. This space will stand as a symbol of gratitude, remembrance, and community unity.”
Family members of the three fallen men, along with members of Torfaen Veterans Hub, staff from M Cwmbran, veterans, Cwmbran and District Ex-Services (CADESA), and members of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) gathered on the grass near Llantarnam Grange in the town centre at 2pm.
‘Emotional’
Sarah Adams MBE, James Prosser’s mum told Cwmbran Life: “It’s emotional. It’s emotional to think that James is in a memorial. You never want that. But I am so grateful, so so grateful to everyone that’s made the effort to do this for them.
“I’ve been supported the whole way since 2009 by Torfaen, the veterans hubs and CADESA. They’ve all been amazing, so I am very grateful.”
Kyle Adams’ parents, John and Moira Adams, said they wanted to thank the team from M Cwmbran, Torfaen Veterans Hub, and the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) for their work and support to get the project this far.
Moira said: “They’ve been doing a lot of work, Steve [Captain Smith] and Zoe [Torfaen Council’s Veterans Hub] with Cwmbran [M Cwmbran] to get this up and going.
“It’s just nice to have somewhere local. People can come and remember, their friends can come and sit down and remember them.
“It feels real and like it’s happening. Before it was just something that might happen, whereas now it is happening.
Torfaen Veterans Hub
John, an ex-soldier and member of Torfaen Veterans Hubs, said the memorial wasn’t just for the three boys, but for those who had fallen before them.
Zoe Gibbs, from Torfaen Council’s Veterans Hub, told the assembled guests: “We gather here in the heart of Cwmbran to remember and honour three extraordinary young men – Private Kyle John Adams, Private James Prosser, and Corporal Michael John Thacker – whose lives were tragically cut short while serving their country in Afghanistan.
“They were more than soldiers. They were sons, friends, neighbours, young men with their whole lives ahead of them. Their courage, their sacrifice, and the love they left behind will forever be part of this community.
“Today is about remembrance, but it is also about hope. The memorial mural and reflection garden we are creating we are creating will be a lasting place where people, young and old, can come to pause, reflect, and feel close to those we have lost. A space not only for these three men, but for all who have served, past and present – a place that says: ‘We remember you, we honour you, and you will never be forgotten.’
‘Belongs to the community’
“Today, we are incredibly proud to officially launch our GoFundMe page as we begin this fundraising journey together. This project belongs to the community. It will be built through your support, your generosity, and your shared commitment to remembering these men in a way that truly reflects who we are as a town and borough.
“Please take a moment to visit the GoFundMe page, to share it, and, if you are able, to contribute. Every single act of support, no matter how small, helps us turn this vision into a reality.
“I would also like to say thank you to Torfaen Veterans, CADESA, Torfaen County Borough Council, and M Cwmbran. Without your support, your belief in this project, and your dedication. We would not be standing here today.
“Together, we are creating something truly special – a lasting tribute, built by the community, for the community, and in memory of those who gave everything.”
- Private Kyle John Adams was 21 and serving in The Parachute Regiment when he was killed during a patrol just north of Lashkar Gah on 6 August 2009. His Jackal vehicle was struck by an explosion and small‑arms fire.
- Private James Prosser was 21 and serving with 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh, when he was killed on 27 September 2009. The Warrior vehicle he was driving was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Helmand Province.
- Corporal Michael John Thacker was 27 and serving with 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh. He was killed by small‑arms fire on 1 June 2012 while he was manning an observation post in Helmand Province.
Make a donation]
Make a donation to the fundraising campaign using this link.