A commemorative gathering is planned to pay tribute to a Bicester Motion firefighter on what would have been his 40th birthday.
The black-tie charity evening, titled A Night for Martyn, is scheduled for Friday, August 28, and has been arranged by the deceased’s younger sibling, Kelly Humphrey.
The fundraiser will bring together firefighters, relatives and business representatives from throughout the country in Bicester to celebrate the life of Martyn Sadler.
Proceeds from the event will support the Fire Fighters Charity, which has provided assistance to the families and emergency responders following the tragedy.
Sadler was among three individuals who died during a significant occurrence at Bicester Motion on May 15, 2025.
Fellow emergency responder Jennifer Logan and businessman Dave Chester also perished in the incident, while two additional firefighters sustained severe injuries.
Formal inquests into these fatalities are scheduled to commence in September.
The commemorant has been remembered as a committed and diligent public servant who devoted his professional life to Oxfordshire and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, as well as the London Fire Brigade.
Humphrey expressed her desire to honour her brother’s landmark birthday by commemorating his life and accomplishments while raising funds for a cause that held significant meaning for him.
Humphrey noted that despite ongoing emotional difficulties, allowing the date to pass without recognition proved impossible.
She described how a passing remark made on his birthday the previous year, just three months after the incident, developed into the current event, with the extraordinary level of affection, backing and regard demonstrated for Martyn and everyone impacted proving deeply moving.
The sold-out gathering will welcome approximately 200 attendees, encompassing personnel from Oxfordshire, London and Berkshire fire services alongside representatives from the Fire Fighters Charity.
Numerous other individuals whose lives he touched, including fellow rugby players, will also be present.
Humphrey described the response from the local community as remarkable, stating the event had grown far beyond initial expectations.
Eighteen local enterprises have purchased tables for the occasion, while numerous others have contributed prizes, services or substantially reduced costs to facilitate the evening.
For several months, businesses and volunteers have dedicated themselves behind the scenes to arrange the venue, catering, entertainment, photography, printing, transportation and decorations.
A prize draw and live auction are anticipated to serve as central features of the programme.
Auction offerings comprise a collection of rare Mercedes Formula One memorabilia, including a 2021 Mercedes W12 technical illustration bearing signatures from racing drivers Lewis Hamilton, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli.
Additional lots feature four admissions to the 2027 FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, an overnight package at the Leonardo Royal Hotel in Oxford encompassing an evening meal and morning meal, a Virgin Experience gift token and a William Wood timepiece constructed from repurposed firefighting apparatus.
Collection boxes have also been positioned at commercial establishments throughout Bicester, with the fundraising total set to be announced during the event.
For Humphrey, despite tremendous appreciation for all the support received, the evening represents something considerably more meaningful than financial contributions.
It offers an opportunity to commemorate a beloved brother, son, spouse and valued family member and companion.
Humphrey expressed that he would perpetually remain their hero and that she felt immense pride in being able to call him her elder sibling.