A soldier and “smashing son” who was killed in Afghanistan will be remembered by having a road named after him.
Private Thomas Lake, who was born and lived in Northwood, will have his legacy live on after a new road in South Oxhey will be called, Tom Lake Way in his remembrance.
Thomas, known as Tom, was killed by an improvised explosive device, when on patrol in Afghanistan in 2011.
Three Rivers District Council announced that the road would be named after him, after his close friend, John Elliot, put forward the suggestion to Watford Rural Parish Council.
Tom, who was 29 when he died, had close ties with South Oxhey Jets which was founded by Elliot.
Toms mum, Carol, revealed that he also played youth football for Northwood FC and went to school at Holy Trinity in Northwood.
When speaking to NorthwoodNews, Carol said that she was really touched by the road name and that her son will be “remembered forever”.
She said: “I thought it was really lovely that they named a road after him, I want him to be remembered and now he will for years after I have passed.
“Tom was a smashing son and these memorials are really touching. I miss his smiles and hugs.”
Tom, who loved skiing, skydiving and many other sports had loads of great friends.
John, who shared many great memories with Tom, said that he was “lucky enough” to have known him.
John said: “I was lucky enough to be personal friends with him, he played for the club for many years and he got to know my family really well.
“It was a massive shock when I heard the news about Tom’s death. We were playing a game at the ground and at full time, I planted a Union Jack flag in the middle in his honour.
“It’s weird, I have military connections, but you never think it will be someone that you know. It was awful. We have kept his name going ever since. We remember the real Tom, not Tom the soldier.
“We wanted Tom to be remembered, so I put forward the suggestion for the road to be named after him and now its happened. I was over the moon when I heard the news.”
John has been at the forefront of remembering Tom ever since his death over eight years ago.
He said: “On the anniversary of his death two years ago, I invited his regiment down to the ground, so we could play a charity match against them in his honour.
“His regiment loved the idea and travelled all the way from their barracks in Germany to play against us. That year, we focussed it all around Tom and we raised over £1,500 and broke the grounds attendance. We were the highest fundraiser for The British Legion that year in Hertfordshire.”
Picture on left was the last time Tom’s mum, Carol saw him before he died
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