THE cousin of an RAF aircraftman who was killed while serving in Afghanistan has been busy raising money for charity in his memory.

Louise Barnes, of Hollymount Close, Exmouth, has gathered more than �800 for Help for Heroes after holding collections at Tesco supermarket in Salterton Road and the Budgens shop in Brixington.

The 36-year-old decided to start fundraising for the charity shortly after her cousin, Exmouth serviceman Kinikki Griffiths, was killed in a vehicle accident last July.

Mrs Barnes said: “We have been selling raffle tickets and Help for Heroes’ goodies.

“The collections have gone really well. People have been absolutely fantastic. We are amazed at how generous people have been.

“We would like to thank Tesco and Budgens for allowing us to stand outside and raise money.”

Mrs Barnes, who was joined by a number of her friends in the fundraisers, placed a large picture of Kinikki on a collection table.

The raffle will be held at the RAFA club in Exmouth next week.

Kinniki Griffiths, aged 20, was serving as part of the Camp Bastion Force Protection Wing from the Royal Air Force Regiment when he was killed while on a vehicle patrol in Helmand Province.

Speaking to the Journal shortly after his death, Mrs Barnes said: “He loved his time in the RAF – it was something he always wanted to do.

“He was a special person and will never be forgotten.”