Matthew Tottle served alongside James Prosser, who was killed by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan in 2009. The pair were in the 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh.
A few months ago, Matthew spotted a collection tin on the counter in the Co-op on North Road in Croesyceiliog. It had a photo of James on it, so Matthew asked the staff member what it was for.
That chat led to Matthew deciding to walk 35 miles from Brecon to Cwmbran along the canal to show his support for the campaign for a memorial mural and reflection garden near Llantarnam Grange in memory of his friend James, and Private Kyle John Adams and Corporal Michael John Thacker – two other Cwmbran men who were also killed in Afghanistan
Matthew found out that Private Adam’s mum and dad- John and Moira Adams- lived near him in Croesyceiliog. A few days later, he saw John walking his dog and struck up a conversation.
Matthew said: “He took me into his house and told me about Kyle. They are a lovely family, they are.
“How amazing does that mural look? It looks fantastic. It would mean so much to so many people. I just wanted to do something for it and I set myself a challenge. The support has been amazing.”
Matthew will set off for his walk on Saturday 3 October at 7am. He will also pass through Abergavenny, the home town of Private Richard Hunt, another fallen soldier from the 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh killed in the Afghanistan conflict.
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