Grieving family raise cash for injured soldiers

Nov 3 2008 by Chris Robinson, The Journal

THE parents of a secret soldier killed in Afghanistan will hand over thousands of pounds to help injured heroes caught up in conflict in a tribute to their son, who will be honoured this week.

James Thompson lost his life after being caught up in an explosion while on foot patrol in the Musa Qaleh area of the war zone in May.

The 27-year-old graduate, who fulfilled his dream to serve with the Special Forces, was set to return home just weeks later before he became the 96th British victim killed in the conflict.

Family and friends, including his two brothers Neil and Alistair, have raised s7,000 in memory of the fun-loving adventurer for the charity Help for Heroes.

Later this week his parents Allen and Hilary will be joined by their two remaining sons as they travel to Epsom, Surrey, to hand over a cheque to the benevolent charity and rehabilitation centre, Headley Court.

The donation will come just a day after they will hear their youngest sons name read out at the Field of Remembrance outside Westminster Abbey, London, at the Special Forces memorial, alongside all those who have died in the year, on Wednesday.

Mr Thompson, 64, from Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, said: Its going to the people who need it and we are so proud that such a generous amount has been raised.

What they have done in Jamess memory is a fantastic effort financially. Its going to be difficult, but we have to try our best. Its not going to be easy.

At the end of the day there are going to be other tragedies in the following years. This will be the year when Jamess name will be read out. There will be other names, other families.

It has been difficult. It still wont give us closure. You wait for the telephone call that you know will never come.

James, who had trained with the Territorial Army, secured a place with Special Forces on his third attempt.

After graduating from Leeds Metropolitan University with a degree in computer communications, he worked for two years at a school before travelling the world.

He then took up civilian work as a technician with Corporate Document Services (CDS), based in Leeds before being called up for a six-month tour of duty in the Helmand Province area of Afghanistan last December.

Money raised, including donations which poured in following the Great North Run, will go towards Headley Courts plans to build a swimming pool for the rehabilitation of injured solders.

Mr Thompson, 64 former owner of the Marlborough Hotel on Whitley Bays seafront, added: I admire them all.

The thing that fascinates me is the fact that sometimes our solders are not honoured for what they have put themselves through.