Brave final words from soldier Cyrus

James Kell • Published 30 Jul 2009 06:00 0 Comments

CYRUS Thatcher's heartbreaking last letter to his family has touched people all over the world.

The moving letter, which Cyrus wrote to his family in Caversham to open in the event of his death, was released by his mother Helena this week and has touched hearts as far afield as Australia, America, Spain and right across Britain.

In the letter Cyrus tells his mum "Your (sic) perfect, your smell, your hugs, the way your life was dedicated to us boys and especially the way you cared, each and every step us boys took. I love you, you were the reason I made it as far as I did."

Cyrus also has loving words for his father Robin and brothers Zac and Steely, and the letter has been posted across many internet sites this week after it was released in tribute to the 19-year-old, who died in Gereshk, Afghanistan, in June.

He said: "I died doing what I was born to do I was happy and felt great about myself although the army was sadly the ending of me it was also the making of me so please don't feel any hate toward it.

"If I could have a wish in life it would to be able to say Iv gone and done things many would never try to do. And going to Afghan has fulfilled my dream ie my goal.

"Yes I am young wich as a parent must brake you heart but you must all somehow find the strength that I found to do something no matter how big the challenge.

"As Im writing this letter I can see you all crying and mornin my death but if I could have one wish in an "after life" it would be to stop your crying and continueing your dreams (as I did) because if I were watching only that would brake my heart.

"So dry your tears and put on a brave face for the rest of your friends and family who need you.

"...Just remember do NOT mourn my death as hard as this will seem, celebrate a great life that has had its ups and downs. I love you all more than you would ever no and in your own individual ways helped me get through it all.

"I wish you all the best with your dreams. Remember chin up head down. With love Cyrus xxxx"

Responding to the letter in the book of condolence set up on The Reading Chronicle website, Jennifer Johnson from Colorado said: "The letter to his family has touched hearts all across the world. We are all very proud of your son. And he will never be forgotten."

Gail from Warilla in Australia said: "One of our local radio announcers has just read the letter that your son wrote to you. My heart goes out to you entirely (I am also a mum) I hope that you do one thing that you really what to do, and just know that one day you will see Cyrus again."

Teena Burton from Denia in Spain wrote: "I have never read anything as moving as this. What a lovely boy, with strength of character to be able to write such a letter. This must bring great comfort to his family at this time. What a wonderful son and brother."

The letter has also been added to a tribute page on Facebook, where Kathleen Scott from Nottingham wrote: "I lost my son 10 years ago and that letter, if you keep reading it, will upset you as will everything else, but it will get you through. My son will always be in the present where he belongs, with his family as will Cyrus, take care."

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This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 30 Jul 09

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