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Wendy Laws is the proud mother of Private Robert Laws, who was tragically killed on 4 July 2009 while serving in Afghanistan. Robbie was only 18 years old.
Here Wendy tells us how she has found a sense of purpose in supporting other veterans in her son’s name and memory.
“When asked what he wanted to do when he grew up, Robbie would always say: ‘I want to make a difference in the world’. That was just what he was like.
Mother of Robbie Laws
“When asked what he wanted to do when he grew up, Robbie would always say: ‘I want to make a difference in the world’. That was just what he was like.
“Rob loved school but at 16 he wanted to go to the Army Foundation College in Harrogate. It was hard but he passed out with the award of Best Shot and a promising career with the 2nd Mercians infantry regiment.
“He had to wait until after his 18th birthday to re-join his regiment in Afghanistan but at last he was living his dream. From his letters and phone calls home, I could tell he was loving every minute. And then tragedy struck.
“On July 4 2009 a rocket propelled grenade hit the vehicle Rob was travelling in. He was killed outright. His life, and mine as I knew it, was over.
“On July 4 2009 a rocket propelled grenade hit the vehicle Rob was travelling in. He was killed outright. His life, and mine as I knew it, was over.
Mother of Robbie Laws
Everyone's Done Their Bit
“At the funeral we asked for donations for Help for Heroes. Rob always looked after his mates and this was our way of continuing that. Since then we haven’t stopped fundraising. From his late grandma donating the contents of her money box to Soul nights, dragon boat races and his friends’ epic cycling and Three Peaks challenges; everyone’s done their bit.
“These days, having retired recently, I spend a lot of my time at car boot sales, selling items gifted by friends and neighbours. So many people want to do their bit by donating; and they deserve my heartfelt thanks. There have been many adventures, close scrapes and lots of laughs along the way; just as Rob would have liked it.
“Five years ago, as we approached the tenth anniversary of Rob’s death I created a Hero Fund in his name. I really just wanted to bring everyone together."
Mother of Robbie Laws
Creating a Hero Fund
“Five years ago, as we approached the tenth anniversary of Rob’s death I created a Hero Fund in his name. I really just wanted to bring everyone together. Although friends and family are now scattered throughout the country and the world, having a Hero Fund page online means no one feels excluded. Certain days will always be poignant - Rob's birthday, his anniversary, Remembrance Day and Christmas - but visiting his page and feeling the respect and love for my son is truly a great comfort.
“I have many friends who’ve been supported by Help for Heroes and I know in my heart this is what Rob would want us to do. I hope the Robbie Laws Hero Fund will continue long after I've gone: keeping Rob's name and dream alive.”
"I hope the Robbie Laws Hero Fund will continue long after I've gone: keeping Rob's name and dream alive.”
Mother of Robbie Laws
A Hero Fund is a wonderful way to remember someone special. To find out more, visit our Hero Fund page, or click the button below to create your own tribute straightaway.
Remember your hero today and change veterans’ lives forever.