Lucy to conquer fear of heights in memory of son (From Malvern Gazette)

Lucy to conquer fear of heights in memory of son

9:00am Friday 20th August 2010 in News

THE mother of a fallen soldier from Bromyard will leap from a plane to raise funds for her son’s injured comrades and other grieving families.

Lucy Aldridge hopes she can overcome her fear of heights by taking inspiration from her brave son William. He was killed by an explosion while he tended casualties from an earlier blast in Afghanistan just over one year ago.

The rifleman, with 2nd Battalion the Rifles, is the youngest British soldier to lose his life in the war - having turned 18 just six weeks before his death.

Mrs Aldridge, also a mother-of-two small boys, is from Bredenbury. She said: “I'll be taking a leaf out of my son’s book, and that of every serving soldier, in striving to overcome my fears and support our amazing armed forces, respecting the tough job they carry out with pride every day.”

She has spent almost every moment since William’s death raising money for injured soldiers and the families of the fallen. Alongside this, she has started a foundation in William’s honour and proved to be a leading voice for the community of grieving families calling for better equipment and treatment for troops.

She will be jumping with the Pilgrimbandits Charity in support of the Richard Hunt Foundation in Wiltshire on Saturday, September 25. All personal donations raised by Mrs Aldridge will be split between the Pilgrimbandits and the William Aldridge Foundation.

Mrs Aldridge added: “I should point out I am petrified of heights but willing to place myself completely outside my comfort zone. I can't thank or praise Pilgrimbandits enough for the support they have shown our foundation.”

To sponsor her visit bmycharity.com/V2/LucyAldridge or visit williamaldridgefounddation.org.uk.