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A memorial commemorating the bravery of Darren Smith and the two children he died trying to save has been unveiled in Lansbury Park.

Darren lost his life trying to save two-year-old Geraint Lewis and his nine-month-old sister Jade from a fire in their home on Maxton Park in December 1989.

Darren was just 20 years old when he died.

On Friday April 28, around 100 people attended as the memorial was unveiled on the green space where the maisonette once stood

Three trees have also been planted in their memory.

The memorial was officially unveiled by Caerphilly County Borough mayor Liz Aldworth, while Van ward councillor Elaine Forehead, who witnessed the fire 33 years ago, spoke at the ceremony.

Residents, local politicians and firefighters were also present, while a minute silence was held to remember Darren, Geraint and Jade.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer after the unveiling, Darren’s sister, Deborah John, said: “I didn’t expect this turnout today. It’s nice to see so many people show an interest.

“It’s a beautiful memorial. It’s somewhere to come and sit.

“He died here and now he is here. It keeps the three of them alive and the more people who will now talk about them, the better.”

Deborah added: “I’m still so proud of Darren. I talk to him everyday and I have done for 33 years now.”

Tania Lewis, mother of Geraint and Jade, said: “It’s so lovely all three will be remembered.

“It’s been a long time, but it’s heart-warming that people still remember them.”

Tania said she didn’t expect the large turnout, but thanked Cllr Elaine Forehead for her efforts to secure the memorial.

Cllr Forehead explained to Caerphilly Observer how the community came together to campaign for improved housing safety measures in the years following the fire.

She said: “The maisonettes were demolished after a big campaign for the then-Rhymney District Council to look into safety. It was a really difficult situation.

“Bit by bit, the unsafe maisonettes came down. This one came down in 2000.

“They needed to come down. We needed to see progress.”

There had been a plaque commemorating Darren’s heroic actions at the former GP surgery in Lansbury Park before it closed.

Questions were asked by the community over what would happen to the plaque following its closure, but Caerphilly County Borough Council confirmed last year a new memorial would be fitted.

Cllr Shayne Cook, council cabinet member for housing, said: “When the GP surgery was demolished, I lobbied the council officers to keep the plaque safe and I’m pleased to see the new memorial for such a tragic incident, which will never be forgotten.”

Darren’s bravery

At around 10.45pm on December 29, 1989, a fire broke out on the ground floor of a two-storey maisonette in Maxton Court, Lansbury Park.

Neighbour Darren Smith heard the cries for help from the mother living in the flat and, together with another neighbour, tried to break in through the front door.

Darren managed to break through and went into the burning building in an attempt to save the two children – Geraint and his sister Jade.

While the mother of the children found a way out, the neighbour and Darren became separated in the thick smoke of the fire. The neighbour, unable to breath, came out for fresh air before heading back into the flat. As the fire grew, he was forced to leave once again.

Firefighters later found the body of Darren, a security guard, and the two children.

For his efforts, Darren was posthumously awarded the The Queen’s Gallantry Medal for exemplary bravery.