A CHARITABLE trust has been set up in an effort to protect homes for military veterans in honour of a war hero.
Wortley-born Ian John McKay was a Platoon Sergeant in the Parachute Regiment and was deployed with his unit for service in the Falklands.
He was killed during the Battle of Mount Longdon, for which he was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross - the highest accolade for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be given.
Fourteen bungalows on Pine Close in Hoyland - known as McKay VC Memorial Cottages - were also built in his honour and offer lifelong support to ex-service personnel.
They were opened by Princess Margaret on June 9, 1988, and offered to tenants who qualified to live there on a peppercorn rent for life.
However, in recent years several have been offered on the open market - leading to the trust’s formation - after the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) sold the complex in 2024 to Mountview Estates.
A spokesperson said: “Having endured unimaginable personal loss, his mother, Freda, was determined that Ian’s sacrifice should be remembered in a meaningful and lasting way.
“She worked tirelessly to ensure that Ian’s legacy would live on in perpetuity.
“Her vision was not simply to remember the past, it was to create something that would continue helping disabled veterans, not just in those days, but long into the future.
“Today, we seek to honour not only Ian’s legacy, but also Freda’s remarkable achievement.
“We live here today because Freda cared enough to make it happen.
“While many memorials take the form of statues, plaques, and monuments, the McKay VC Memorial Homes represent something different.
“They are a living expression of remembrance that continues to serve veterans and their families.
“For generations, residents have found not only housing here but friendship, understanding, comradeship, sanctuary and a sense of belonging.
‘Presently, the memorial cottages are owned by a private investment company and, as properties become vacant, they are being sold on the open market.
“With each sale, the estate moves further away from the purpose for which it was originally established and the risk grows that this unique memorial legacy could one day be lost.
“Our vision is different: we want to preserve their history, purpose and identity.”
An initial fundraising goal of £15,000 has been set in order to develop the trust’s status.
“The story of the memorial homes span three generations,” the spokesperson added.
“It began with the courage and sacrifice of Sgt Ian McKay VC.
“It was carried forward by the vision and determination of his mother who transformed remembrance into a living memorial for vulnerable disabled veterans.
“Today, that responsibility passes to all of us.
“We invite individuals, organisations, veterans, supporters and all those who value our shared heritage to become custodians of this remarkable legacy.”
