Honours for backpacking hero Tom

Cheshire hero Tom Jackson has been posthumously honoured at a special tree planting ceremony in Tatton Park.

His family joined The Mayor of Cheshire East, Councillor Arthur Moran, for the low-key event, which also saw a bench installed in his name.

Thirty-year-old Tom sacrificed his own life to attempt to save the life of a fellow backpacker Mia Ayliffe-Chung, who was attacked by a man with a knife at a hostel in Queensland, Australia, in August, 2016.

Tom died in hospital a week later. Unfortunately Mia also died from her injuries.An inscription on the bench in Tatton Park reads: ‘With love we remember Tom Jackson, our son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.

A life that touches others goes on forever. So many beautiful memories, so many broken hearts 1985 – 2016’Tom had aspired to follow a career in journalism and was a graduate of South Cheshire College.

He was tending the wounds of another backpacker, a young woman, who had been attacked in a stabbing spree by 29-year-old Smail Ayad, who was arrested by police.

Attending the short ceremony at Tatton Park, Knutsford, were Tom’s father Les, mum Sandra, sister Olivia, partner Kay Goldney and brother Daniel.Mr. Jackson said afterwards: “As a family we were delighted to accept the kind offer from Cheshire East Council to remember our wonderful son Tom in this way. It is a lovely idea and the tree and bench are in a lovely spot.

“We are sure visitors to Tatton will appreciate them as much as we do, for years to come. Our sincere thanks to the mayor for greeting us so warmly and to Cheshire East Council for making the memorial happen.”