Lee Darren Thornton

Lee thornton died on sept 7th at the age of 22. He fought for his country in the army. He lived in
Blackpool.
He had three younger brothers who are; Ryan (20), Sean (16) and jake (14).
He got shot whilst on patrol in th North of Basra, Iraq.
Lee was a kind, fun, ethusiastic man. He loved to play football with all his brothers when he came
home to visit. He was always happy and he always showed his love and kindness to everyone he knew.
He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.

I WOULD LIKE TO SAY A BIG THANK YOU ON BEHALF OF THE FAMILY, FOR ALL THE KIND MESSESGES THAT
EVERYONE HAVE PUT ON HERE.IT JUST SHOWS HOW MUCH EVERYONE ADMIRED LEE AND HIS BRAVERY. AND THAT HE
IS IN EVERYONE'S THOUGHTS.
THANKS AGAIN.
LEE'S FAMILY.

IF ANYONE WHO KNEW LEE, HAVE PICTURES THEY WOULD LIKE TO SHARE, THEY ARE WELCOME TO PUT THEM ON THIS
WEBSITE.
THIS IS SO THAT WE ALL CAN SHARE OUR GOOD MEMORIES OF LEE.
THANKS VERY MUCH
LEE'S FAMILY XXX

THANK YOU
From: karen,mick and boys,Lees Family.

We would just like to say thank you so much to all the many family and friends that have left
messages for Lee today this means so much to us and we would like to thank everyone for their
kindness. Its a year ago today that Lee left us and we know the heartbreak will never end we will
love and miss him forever. To know others care means so much. THANKYOU xxxx
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Gunner Thornton, 22, from 58 (Eyre's) Battery, 12th Regiment Royal Artillery died on 7
September 2006 as a result of injuries sustained two days earlier from a single gunshot wound whilst
on patrol in the town of Al Qurna, north of Basra, Iraq.

His injuries were so serious that, despite the best treatment available, the medical team involved
were unable to save him.

Gunner Lee Darren Thornton

Gunner Lee 'Thorny' Thornton was born in Blackpool on 25 November 1983. From an early age
he had wanted to be a soldier and he enlisted in his home town on 30 August 2000 at the age of
sixteen.

Gunner Thornton was engaged to be married.

His Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jon Campbell, from Headquarters of 12th Regiment Royal
Artillery in Sennelager, Germany, said:
"Today 12th Regiment has been given the sad news that Gunner Lee Thornton, serving with 58
(Eyre's) Battery in Iraq, died in hospital in Rammstein, Germany. Gunner Thornton suffered a
gunshot wound in Iraq on Tuesday this week.

"This has been a very sad week for the Battery for they had already lost two soldiers killed in
a roadside bomb on Monday, where a further soldier was seriously wounded. It was typical of Gunner
Thornton that he volunteered to participate in the very next patrol which went out after the attack
a day earlier. This gesture of defiance by Lee and his colleagues was aimed at the people who
perpetrated the first attack. He showed no hesitation in driving out of the security of the Shaibah
Logistics Base and facing the ever-present threat to British soldiers in Iraq.

"Lee Thornton was an excellent soldier. He was popular with his mates; he was widely known
around the Regiment. His death has touched everyone; we are all numbed by his passing, especially as
we had clung to hope that he would survive and pull through.

"At this very sad time our immediate thoughts are with his parents Karen and Mick and with his
fiancée Helen, all who were present at his bedside when he died.

"12th Regiment has lost a fine young man; popular and bright. All those who knew Thorny were
privileged to do so. The Battery, Regiment and the British Army have lost a soldier and a friend of
the very highest calibre and he will be sadly missed."

Mr and Mrs Thornton, said the family were struggling to come to terms with the devastating loss of
their much-loved eldest son, Lee, and have released the following statement:

"We were immensely proud of Lee’s achievements. He lived life to the full and packed a lot in
during his short time. Through the Army he managed to fulfil many of his goals in life.

"He was a great sportsman and an avid supporter of Blackpool Football Club.

"Lee leaves behind his loving fiancée, Helen and three younger brothers Ryan (20), Sean (15)
and Jake (14)

Letter from Heaven

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's not more tears of sadness; Here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon, and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you.
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly, you're part of my plan.
There's so much that I have to do, to help our mortal man"
God gave me a list of things that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you...in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over,
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night..."My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented...that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.
So, if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go...from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going...you're coming here to me.

From Roxy


Always

As the sun starts to rise,
I'm with you
When you hear a bird sing,
I'm there
For each raindrop that falls,
think of me
And the love that we'll
always share

In the rush of the wind
feel my touch
In the quiet of night
hear my voice
If you start to stumble
take my hand
And know that it was
my choice

When tears start to fall feel
my comfort
If you feel low share
my pride
Don't ever think that you've
lost me
For I will always be there
by your side


A poem for you bro

If tears could build a stairway
and memories a lane
I would walk right up to heaven
to bring you home again
No farewell words were spoken
no time to say goodbye
You were gone before i knew it
and only God knows why
My heart still aches in sadness
and secret tears still flow
What it means to loose you
no one will ever know

love ryan


Live on for me.

My spirit drifts in open time, loved ones left bereft behind.
Mum I hope I made you proud, I love you mum I do.

Dad I’m gone, yet did you see, a man your son- think of me.
A warrior dad standing tall, freedom fight giving all.

I gave my all mum and dad, every drop of life I had.
To keep you all safe from harm, death was cold my blood was warm.

I know you cry because I’m gone, don’t be sad I’m here your son.
Sending you a kiss today, to say I love you still.

My lover , my lady , I’m holding you, from now till end of time.
In dreams my love I give to you, our hearts always entwined.

My spirit is beside you now, with strength and love and calm.

You will grow and I’ll be near, holding , guiding safe from fear.
A gentle voice to you I breath, no deaths not said that I must leave.

So close your eyes and if you do, you’ll see me smiling back at you.
With love and care for all your time, your little hand holding mine.

One day we all will meet again, I drift with you from now till then.
To all of you left behind use it well your precious time.

Make each day count in your life’s quest, live your dreams and do your best.
Think of me if life seems bad, I have no life like you now have.

So live, laugh, love and be, don’t think of death -
Live on for me.

Love n missin u bro
jake xxx