Martyn Sadler was one of three people killed in a tragic incident at Bicester Motion in Oxfordshire on May 15 last year. Two other firefighters were injured.

Mr Sadler began his career with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service before serving in Royal Berkshire, and was stationed full-time with the London Fire Brigade.

In his memory, his family has organised a charity event, A Night for Martyn, to support the Fire Fighters Charity, which helps members of the UK fire and rescue service and their families.

Martyn’s brother wrote on a JustGiving page: “Martyn lost his life doing the job he was passionate about and proud to serve.

“He dedicated his career not only to Oxfordshire, but also to Royal Berkshire before moving on to London Fire Brigade – where he was stationed full time.

He said: “28.08.2026 would’ve been Martyn’s 40th birthday and I feel its only right that we mark the occasion by celebrating his life and achievements, while raising funds for a charity that was always close to his heart.”

The black-tie event will host around 200 guests and feature a raffle, auction and generous support from local businesses.

The page also offers a way for those unable to attend to contribute in Mr Sadler’s honour.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/page/anightformartynsadler.

The Bicester Motion fire broke out at Hangar 79 on the Bicester Airfield at around on May 15, 2025.

It claimed the lives of firefighters Jennie Logan, 30, and Martyn Sadler, 38, both serving with Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (OFRS), who were both members of Bicester rugby Union Football Club, and business owner David Chester, 57.

Post‑mortem examinations later found all three victims died from multiple traumatic injuries, believed to have been caused when parts of the building collapsed

Two other firefighters suffered serious injuries and were taken to hospital. They have both since been discharged.

An Oxfordshire County Council spokesperson said: “As we reach the first anniversary of Bicester Motion our thoughts are with the families of Martyn Sadler, Jennie Logan, and Dave Chester.

“Investigations have not yet concluded. We continue to work with other agencies such as Thames Valley Police and the HSE. We remain in close and regular contact with the families of the bereaved.”

(Image: Chris Barr)

The fire broke out at around 6.39pm after smoke was seen billowing from aviation and motoring site in Oxfordshire, formerly the RAF Bicester.

The incident was initially attended by 10 fire and rescue crews to the site off Buckingham Road.

Tributes were paid across Bicester and beyond with flowers and messages left at the entrance to Bicester Motion with OFRS firefighters forming a guard of honour to remember their colleagues.

Flowers and tributes following the fatal fire at Bicester Motion (Image: Newsquest)

The days following the fire, authorities reacted, including the National Fire Chiefs Council and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who described the news as devastating, adding that “the bravery of our firefighters is astounding”.

Bicester Motion also released statements sharing its condolences with the families, expressing gratitude for community support.

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It said: “[…] There are no words at times like this, but our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones […].”

Chief fire officer Rob MacDougall (Image: Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service)

Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue chief fire officer, Rob MacDougall, appeared “emotional” as he paid tribute to the “unwavering bravery”, on May 16, 2025.

A week on from the fire, a minute’s silence was observed at Bicester Motion and other stations, simultaneously, including in Henley, Bampton and Carterton.

The process to demolish Hangar 79 sensitively began in august 2025 following discussions with Historic England, Cherwell District Council and other health and safety and environmental experts.

Oxfordshire County Council confirmed in January that it had spent £90,000 on the investigation and survey work so far, with the whole investigation estimated to cost the county council £500,000. However, this may increase further due to the complexity of the case.

The investigation into the fire by Thames Valley Police and the Health and Safety Executive is still ongoing with the cause remaining unknown.

Throughout the year tribute fundraisers took place throughout the county and beyond, for the Fire Fighters Charity. This included Chris Brummell running this year’s London Marathon in memory of Martyn, his brother-in-law.

Thames Valley Police, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue and Bicester Motion have yet to release official statements on the anniversary.

The Sun is reporting that Top Gear will make a return once three new presenters are found to replace Paddy McGuinness, Freddie Flintoff and Chris Harris.

The show was most famously presented alongside Oxfordshire farmer Jeremy Clarkson, who presented the show in the 1990s and with Richard Hammond and James May between 2002 and 2015.

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Top Gear was shelved in 2022 following the serious crash of Freddie Flintoff, which saw him suffer serious injuries.

An insider told the Sun: “BBC bosses are keen to revive Top Gear because they have never filled the space it left behind and so many viewers hanker after a motoring show.

Richard Hammond, Jeremy Clarkson, and James May at Top Gear Live 2012 at the NEC Birmingham. (Image: Newsquest Archive)

“And it’s not just in Britain that the programme is much loved, it is a brand in its own right and watched by millions around the globe.

“Which is why it wasn’t just important to satisfy the needs of petrolheads, but also, specifically, fans of Top Gear. They’ll be thrilled to hear it is returning.”

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Top Gear started in 1977 as a regional motoring show before it grew, under the leadership of Mr Clarkson, into the most watched factually entertainment show in the world.

Mr Clarkson, Mr Hammond and Mr May left the show in 2015 and were quickly signed up by Amazon Prime.

From that, The Grand Tour was created and lasted for six series before the duo ended their adventures with ‘One for the Road’ in 2024.

The search is already under way for new Top Gear presenters, according to The Sun.