A national charity is to be launched for the children of British servicemen and women killed in conflict.
Pictured below is Matthew Titchener.
The charity is the idea of the family of Major Matthew Titchener, from Southport, who died in Iraq in August.
The Major Matthew Titchener Children's Trust will be formally launched at a concert at the Royal Opera House, in London, in January 2004.
Major Titchener's mother Val, 55, said: "We keep hearing more and more horror stories about bereaved families being given only a few months to get out of their military homes after their partners have died in service.
"People are under the impression that they will be looked after if the worst happens but that is just not the case.
"Matthew's charity is all about helping those children who have lost a mother or father in service."
Royal Military Police Officer, Major Matthew Titchener aged 32 from Frecketon Road Southport was one of three Royal Military Police officers killed during an attack by gunmen on a British Army vehicle in Basra on Saturday 23/8/03.
He was commissioned into the 1st Battalion the King's Regiment in April 1992 and served world-wide including; Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Jordan, Egypt and Canada.
He also served as an Instructor at the Infantry Training Centre at Catterick and Strensall and commanded 26 Cadet Training Team in Manchester.
In May 1999 he transferred to the Royal Military Police. His appointments included Adjutant 6 RMP, Northern Ireland, Officer Commanding 170 Pro Coy RMP in Edinburgh and most recently as Officer Commanding 150 Pro Coy 3 RMP based in Catterick, North Yorkshire.
Matt was an officer of the very highest calibre. He was an intelligent, highly motivated and dedicated leader. He set the highest of standards and successfully ensured that all who came within his influence were inspired by his strength of character, sense of humour and compassion.
His main passions outside Army life were his family and football. He was a talented football player, qualified referee and manager of the RMP football team. He was also an ardent fan of Liverpool Football Club.
Matthew’s funeral took place at the Church Of Our Lady of the Assumption and St Meddans in Troon, Ayrshire in September 2003.
