THE mother of a young man killed in a New Year's Day shooting has spoken of her pride after a new housing scheme was launched in his name.
Darren Deslandes was gunned down in the family's pub – The Newton Arms in Thornton Heath – in 2010.
The popular 34-year-old spent ten years at housing association AmicusHorizon, based in High Street, Croydon, where he worked as a home ownership officer.
And the organisation is keeping the memory of a "much loved and valued colleague" alive after naming a housing block Deslandes Place.
Darren's family, including mum Lurline and brothers James and Junior, attended a special ceremony last Friday (April 12) where a plaque was unveiled at the homes in Lewisham.
Lurline told the Advertiser: "I thought it was an honour to do this for Darren. He really enjoyed his work.
"When he died we got a lot of feedback from people that Darren was a good employee and went out of his way to help people.
"Everyone remembers him as a lovely person, caring and very professional. That makes me feel very proud."
Gunman Saturday Hassan shot dead Darren and left Junior fighting for his life after firing eight bullets inside the pub.
He had been thrown out earlier in the night after picking up a bottle to use against another customer after an argument.
Hassan is serving a minimum of 37 years behind bars.
Lurline said: "In that space of time, aged 34, he helped so many people. If this hadn't happened then look how many other people he would have helped.
"We were very emotional because it brings back all the memories of the type of person Darren was."
Paul Hackett, chief executive for AmicusHorizon, said: "Its a fitting tribute to Darren.
"I'd like to think he would approve."
