The parents of a soldier who was killed in action are marking the tenth anniversary of his death.

Captain Tom Sawyer was killed in an explosion at just 26-years-old after taking part in a joint operation in Afghanistan in 2009.

Ten years on, parents Sue and Martyn Sawyer from Watford have dedicated their time to raising money for military charities, chosen by the soldier’s six-year-old nephew Kaidan.

The family have so far raised over £3,000 by completing a variety of tasks including a trek up Ben Nevis and winning a night race, with one of the charities to benefit being Scotty’s Little Soldiers.

It was set up in 2010 by war widow Nikki Scott and supports children across the UK who have lost a parent who served in the British Armed Forces.

Watford Observer:

Tom Sawyer was killed in Afghanistan in 2009

Speaking about the fundraising, Mrs Sawyer said: “We can’t thank enough the friends, family, work colleagues and complete strangers who have been so amazing in helping us raise money for two incredible charities.

“Tom really took care of his lads when he was in the army, so for us we wanted to support charities that we knew he’d be proud to help.

“Scotty’s is such a fantastic charity. Losing a parent or child in the military is incredibly difficult, you may not have seen them for six months at a time and then one day they just never come back. It has a huge impact on everyone, especially the children, which is why support from charities such as Scotty’s is so important.”

Mrs Scott lost her husband Lee in 2009 and said it was hard to believe he has been gone for 10 years.

“I’m sure it feels the same for Sue and Martyn,” She continued. “I can’t thank them and their family and friends enough for the money they have raised so far. They’ve really pushed themselves to their limits.”

Money will also be donated to Hounds for Heroes, a charity that provides Service Dogs for military and public service personnel who have been injured in the line of duty.

To support the Sawyer family, known as Team Tom 29, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/TeamTom29Scotty