A film tribute to a young father who died in a crash at the start of the year will be shown tonight to mark what would have been his 29th birthday.

Oronde Wilson Jr was devoted to his daughters Kiley, aged 7, and Lila Burt-Wilson, aged 3.

The two were left devastated after he died after his motorcycle crashed in Southampton on January 4.

The children’s mother, Lakeisha Burt, said Kiley came up with the idea of “a movie of her dad”, to be aired at a private showing at the Speciality Cinema in Hamilton at 6.30pm.

Ms Burt said friends and people from across the island, as well as overseas, contributed video clips for a 30-minute “happy birthday, Oronde” celebration of his life.

She added: “It will open with him saying ’Hi, Kiley and Lila, it’s daddy’.

“A lot of people have been so gracious to contribute and send little clips. I am excited to see it myself.”

Mr Wilson, whose death was the first road fatality of 2021, was a former track and field athlete and worked at the produce department in Miles Market in Pembroke.

The Royal Gazette will publish a clip from the tribute online after its start time.

Ms Burt said one of the girls’ godmothers, Naesha West, was “phenomenal” in putting together the contributions and doing a voiceover for the montage.

She added: “It’s just him being him. That’s what we want people to remember him by.

“Oronde had accomplished so much in 28 years of life. From being a track star to a great debater, to an overall well rounded individual.”

Ms Burt said he was “a remarkable man” who made friends with ease.

Former school friends remembered him for his debating skills.

Ms Burt said Mr Wilson, from Somerset, doted on his family and his local community.

She added his daughters were “his number one priority” and that “everyone that spoke to him knew everything was his children”.

A statement from the family said Kiley wanted the public to know "how much her daddy loved her, and how much she loves him, and misses him“.

It added: “She says ’My daddy is still here, just in spirit – that's why my mommy has gotten a cake for him.

“He just cannot eat it, but he can smell it’.”

The statement said: “His anniversary won't be a sorrowful one, as he always told family and friends to celebrate life and not mourn.”

Strict social distancing will be enforced for the gathering of family and friends, which is limited to 33 people in the main cinema.

Ms Burt said Mr Wilson “always remained very focused on being a better version of himself – he never looked back, always ahead”.

She added: “His loss has had a profound effect on everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.”