2:51pm Tuesday 2nd February 2010
The mother of an Eastbourne soldier killed during a possible friendly fire incident in Afghanistan today offered her support to his comrades, and told mourners: "My son was a hero."
Helen Perry said her heart went out to fellow soldiers present at the death of her son, Lance Corporal Michael Pritchard, of the 4th Regiment, Royal Military Police.
Ms Perry, wearing a Help for Heroes wristband, said she drew comfort from knowing the 22-year-old was happy serving as a "brave and true" soldier.
L/Cpl Pritchard, who was nicknamed "Pritch" and was born in Maidstone, Kent, was shot in the Sangin area of Helmand Province last December 20 and buried with full military honours.
Hundreds of soldiers and veterans joined relatives, friends and local dignitaries for his funeral service at All Saints' Church in L/Cpl's hometown of Eastbourne.
His Union flag-draped coffin, topped with his military cap and belt, was carried into church by six pall bearers before opening words from the Rev Robert Lovatt.
Ms Perry told mourners: "Michael had found his way in life and enjoyed his Army life. On the day he passed out, he was bursting with pride and I was so very proud of him.
"My precious son, who had achieved something so amazing."
She added: "His death has left a huge hole in my heart and my heart goes out to all his friends who were there at that terrible time.
"But Michael was happy and I take great comfort from that. He was a brave and true soldier. My son was a hero and I was so very proud of him."
The Ministry of Defence has said the possibility that he died from friendly fire was being investigated but no firm conclusion would be reached until after an inquest.
Other tributes were read by L/Cpl Pritchard's best friend, Dean Boddy, and his sister, Katie Pritchard, who told mourners her brother would not want them to be sad at his death.
His commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Debbie Poneskis, told mourners: "Michael was your son, brother, grandson and boyfriend, a dear, loyal friend to many.
"If I'm honest, the name Pritch was often met with a raised eyebrow as we wondered what he was up to and why he was grinning or giggling.
"He always had an opinion and he was never afraid to express it and he was one of our best-loved characters."
His coffin was led out to Forever Young by Jay Z before burial at Ocklynge Cemetery.
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