Barnsley Mum Speaks Out This Remembrance Sunday
A mother from Killamarsh, Barnsley is speaking out about what it was like losing her son in Afghanistan in 2010.
Cheryl Routledge lost her son Liam Riley as he served in the armed forces in Afghanistan 5 years ago. He was killed by an IV explosive whilst going to help a colleague.
Cheryl told Hallam FM how difficult it was to process and the struggles with helping her young daughter Olivia also cope with the loss.
The family have received continuing support from charity SSAFA that supports service men and women, veterans and their families.
Cheryl told us that the support has been vital for her and her daughter:
'I didn’t want her thinking that we were the only family. And I just wanted to see how other families where effected and through meeting the other mums, and fathers, I've gained a lot of comfort from speaking to them.'
Cheryl also explained what benefits she's gained from finding this support...
'Sharing experiences and initially just talking about our children. Because sometimes you do find it hard speaking to other people because they don't want to say the wrong things. Whereas your speaking to people who have gone through exactly the same thing.'
Cheryl also told Hallam FM why she thinks it's important that we all remember this Remembrance Sunday:
'They willingly put their lives on the line for the rest of the people of this country. And remembrance Sunday really is just a small way of thanking these people.'