written by my youngest son Nathan

Unfortunatly these are very sad times, I am Nathan Thornton, and on behalf of my family we are setting up this donation page for all the hereos who have gone to serve their countrys and protect us all. Whether it be in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars or in other conflicts. The reality is a solider goes to defend what he loves and treasures knowning he may never return the same person they went as. We are all effected whether directly or indirectly we all feel for every one of them still out in combat, those who have returned and sadly those who paid the ultimate price fighting for what is right!!!!!

It its with great sadness that on the morning of Wednesday 9th November 2011, my brother Private Matthew Adam Thornton sadly lost his life in a conflict in the Lashkar Gah region of Helmand. He was out on patrol at a checkpoint near Babaji when he and his fellow compatriots were attack by small arms fire and grenades, while returning fire an pushing forward he  was caught in a road side IED explosion and unfortunately lost his life. No-one else in his multiple were injured or hurt!!!!

He will be greatly missed by all who he touched and by all who knew him dearly. He was the best brother anyone could ever want, and sadly died doing what he did best which was protect those around him n look out for everyone he could. He was a true legend, an absolutely amazing brother to me and my sister, an even better son to my parents. Things will be difficult for a long time to come but your donations and support will help us all dearly, not just our family but the families of all the troops still in the conflicts and sadly those who are no longer here!!!!

Matthew was finally laid to rest on Tuesday 29th November 2011 in what was one of the most amazing turn outs anyone has ever seen. The streets were lined with people taking time out of there busy lives to pay respect to a true hero. Local businesses pulled down there shutters and the village of Darton ground to a halt all for such a special person and amazing brother. The courtage was followed closely from the family home by all his close friends and family and finally lead into the service by his closest D Company comrades. During the emotional service there were tears of sadness, tears of joy and a sense of pride by all. As Matthews favourite song was played my cousins Emily, Millie, Thomas, Maisie and there friend Jess all shuffled along and danced there hearts out, a fitting tribute which my brother would have loved and most likely been there shufflin' with them. Everyone begun to clap and cheer them on and even the 300+ strong in the church did not deter them.

Later Matthew was lead away to a private burial, where he recieved a 3 volley salute by his fellow TA friends. Instead on laying ashes in his grave we threw stars in with him. A perfect way to celebrate something which he loved and showed on his car and his body with his tattoos. During the wake my mum was presented with Matt's operational medal and walked round wearing it with pride with a huge smile on her face, no doubt Matthew would have been looking down on us all thinking I did my best, I made you happy, I love you all and im glad I made everyone proud.

No one should ever have to feel this pain which my family is going through but without the sacrifices of those special people out there fighting for family and friends the world would be a far more dangerous place. My brother made me proud before he ever left, he made me who I am today, he made me realise what is important, whats not and what never will be. He lived his life to the best he could, wore his heart on his sleeve and gave his all. Me and Matthew are two of the same person we will always protect no matter what the risks, we will always care no matter what happens and most of all we will always love our family and friends the best we can. I love my parents, I love my sister, I love my family, I love my friends but most of all I miss and love my brother so much!!!!

With great respect to all, THANK YOU!!!!!

x x x x x x x x x x x x <3