A PETAL in memory of Dorset's Clare Jackson was among 300,000 scattered in St Paul's Cathedral during Wednesday's tsunami memorial and her family was there to witness it.

This was the first time her father Peter, mother Doreen, sister Petra and boyfriend Alex Hill had met with the grief-stricken families of other victims whose lives were claimed by the disaster.

Clare, whose family live in West Parley, was swept away by the waves which battered the island of Sri Lanka. She was just 25.

Peter, a retired detective superintendent for Dorset Police, spoke to the Daily Echo shortly before making the trip for the national memorial in London. He said: "It will be very painful for us and all of the families there.

"It's still very fresh - it's four months since the tsunami but to the families it's almost like it only happened yesterday. You find things suddenly remind you of the event.

"The dropping of petals is a nice gesture. We've never met any families in our position and the purpose of the memorial was to give that opportunity. It might be helpful to meet with other people who can empathise.

"For us the service is more about the families there than the dignitaries who attend."

The Queen and Prime Minister Tony Blair were among those to attend the service, which was led by the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams. During a two-minute silence one petal for nearly every person killed fell from the cathedral's dome and galleries.

A fundraising drive for the Clare Jackson Sri Lanka Appeal has raised a staggering £27,000 to equip an operating theatre in Tangalla Hospital on the island and Peter has issued heartfelt thanks to all who contributed time, energy and money.

He added: "So many people did so many things to help us and we are very thankful. It's something Clare would have been very proud about."

First published: May 12