The William Aldridge Foundation

National Arboretum visit

10.20PM Thu Nov 4 2010

The mother of the youngest soldier to die in Afghanistan has showed an Afghan politician something of the sacrifice British families are making.

Lucy Aldridge lost 18-year-old Rifleman William Aldridge in Sangin in Helmand Province.

On Thursday, the Governor of Helmand met her and visited the memorial on which Rifleman Aldridge's name is chiselled.

From the National Arboretum Geraint Vincent reports.

By: Geraint Vincent

ITV News Report:
www.itv.com/news/national-arboretum-visit12376/

Hiya Lucy,

Well done again on the journey in TV stardom. Unfortuntely ITN won't let me watch the video outside the UK, but from the reports I've had from friends the guy seemed very compassionate and sorry?

x

Tim, Governor Mangal was full of compassion, warmth and sincerity for the sacrifice made by our Armed Forces. He was full of gratitude and respect for both those serving and their families. He spoke privately to me ahead of the media coverage as a father, sharing the pain of loss - it was an absolute honour and privilege to meet him. He told me of how utterly moved he was on a visit to the area in Sangin where William and his comrades lost their lives and was in awe of such incredible bravery on behalf of the people of Afghanistan.
He has invited me to visit Helmand when there is greater stability to see for myself the enormous progress made, what it is our Armed Forces have been fighting so hard for and to reassure me that each and every serviceman and woman who have given their lives will always be remembered.

I feel completely humbled to have Governor Mangal request a meeting with me as he paid his respects to our UK Forces at the National Memorial Arboretum.

Good stuff. Nice to know that our work out there is also being appreciated publically by them too - might put a message out in few directions (well if ITN would stream it outside the UK and they could watch it). Good.

Well done again, on what must have a trying day for you too! x

I was looking at the Arboretum (finally spelt it right.lol) yesterday - looks very nice and a great place, and rightly so.

I've also got a face to put to Carol's Ray at last. x