TWO dads have teamed up to raise funds for children who have lost parents during conflicts around the world.

Daniel Rogers, 32, of Church Road, Rayleigh, and James Allaway, 27, of Scotts Walk, Rayleigh, were inspired to arrange an Armed Forces’ Day event and are now hoping to raise valuable funds for Scotty’s Little Soldiers – a charity very close to Mr Allaway’s heart.

After serving with the British Army for seven years as a tank driver with the 2nd Royal Tank regiment, he became good friends with fellow soldier Cpl Lee Scott.

Cpl Scott was killed in an explosion in Afghanistan in 2009, aged just 26, leaving two young children Brooke and Kai.

This inspired widow Nikki to set up the charity, dedicated to children who lose parents in these tragic circumstances.

Mr Rogers said: “I’m sure for all parents the worst conversation they could ever imagine having would be to tell their children their mum or dad won’t be coming home again.”

Mr Rogers and Mr Allaway have previously taken part in a skydive to raise funds for Grove Road pre-school, in Rayleigh, which both their children attend. They are now facing their biggest challenge to date – organising an Armed Forces’ Day celebration between them.

The event will take place at the Travellers Joy pub, in Down Hall Road, Rayleigh, between noon and 4pm on Saturday, June 30, and provide fun for the whole family with craft activities, stalls, rides and a bouncy castle.

However, the focal point of the day is set to be the world’s largest bungee crane, standing at 200ft tall.

Mr Rogers added: “We need as many people as possible jumping. It’s really proving very popular and is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for people to try something new out.”

Anyone interested in getting involved should contact Mr Rogers at danrogers64@hotmail.com