AN AYR lad took part in a special Remembrance walk in memory of his dad who was killed in Iraq when he was just six-years-old.

Matheson Harper-Titchener, now 19, had his hero, Major Matthew Titchener at the forefront of his mind when he walked along Ayr beach on Sunday, November 8.

Ayr Advertiser:

Just a day before he joined his sister Angel, who was just months away from being born when the tragedy struck, as she paid tribute to her dad backed by her school pals and teachers of Queen Margaret Academy.

Both were walking five miles to support charity Scotty’s Little Soldiers, who have been a vital support throughout their childhood.

The Armed Forces children’s charity have been by their side since 2013 as they help children facing a bereavement due to a parent lost during conflict.

Their dad died whilst he was on tour with the forces in Iraq in 2003.

For Matheson, he has nothing but “good memories” of his dad, playing football in the back garden.

Matheson told the Advertiser: “To me my dad is my hero, he was amazing to me, and is still is.

“I can remember playing football with him out in the garden. He was a massive Liverpool fan as he was originally from Southport not far from Liverpool. He would have loved this year with them winning the league.

“I think about him all the time, some days its hard and some days its better. I don’t know if I’ll ever come to terms with it – but Scotty’s have really helped a lot in terms of understanding it a lot better.”

Matheson has hailed the work of Scotty’s Little Soldiers, saying: “They have been amazing. Thanks to them, I’ve had so many great experiences and met so many people who know what you’re going through. They’ve been there for me and Angel through everything.”

Every year, the family honour their dad by taking part in the Remembrance events in London with their mum.

But this year with impact of coronavirus, they stood on their doorstep to respect a minutes silence.

Matheson said: “From as young as I remember we’d go to London with the Army Widows Charity, we’d always go down there every year for that weekend.

“This year has been different. It’s the first I’ve ever taken part in a fundraiser for the charity, but I felt like it was really symbolic to do something on a strange year. I completed the walk in time for the minutes silence at 11am we stood outside and observed it.”

Matheson has set his sights on completing a marathon to raise more money. For more, visit: https://givepenny.com/mathesonharper_titchener_hero_walk