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Injured soldier's brother joins Army
FRESH recruit Matthew Barlow already knows better than most about the horrors of war.
But though his older brother Andy lost part of his leg after stepping on a mine in Afghanistan, the 19-year-old had no hesitation in following him into the same battalion.
Fusilier Andy, aged 21, from Breightmet, was declared a hero and awarded the George Medal for bravery last year.
The machine gunner suffered horrific injuries when he ran to the aid of stricken colleagues who had strayed into an unmarked minefield in the volatile Helmand Province.
But far from putting off his brother, it merely strengthened Matthew's resolve to join up - his ambition since he was 16
He took his oath of allegiance to the Queen at the army offices in Great Moor Street, Bolton, yesterday.
The former Thornleigh Salesian College pupil said: "I tried to join the army three years ago but was deferred because I suffer from eczema.
"Since then I've been going from job to job but I was determined to get into the army.
"I am pleased to have passed the initial physical and mental tests and looking forward to starting my training."
Matthew, who is from Breightmet but now lives in Bury, will spend 26 weeks training in Catterick, North Yorkshire, before seeing service in Afghanistan.
He is joining the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and is looking forward to the challenge.
"I have seen what my brother has been through and I think it has helped prepare me for some of the things I may see when I go to Afghanistan," Matthew added.
Father-of-one Andy looked on proudly as his younger brother took the oath.
He added: "What I went through was difficult for my family, but I am still smiling.
"I'm sure my brother will do a good job and I'm hoping I will be able to go back to Afghanistan and serve alongside him."
Andy is hoping to start training again in December and wants to go to Afghanistan next year.
Major Mike McDonald, area recruitment officer for Greater Manchester, said: "I think it is a great decision for Matthew to join.
"He is up for the challenge and he knows how to look after himself so it won't come as a shock.
"He has learned a lot from his brother."
4:41pm Friday 25th April 2008
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CommentPosted by: chas, suffolk on 5:17pm Fri 25 Apr 08
Good luck, Matt and stay safe.
Good luck, Matt and stay safe.
Posted by: barlowmatthew, bolton on 3:13am Sat 26 Apr 08
thank you,.. ill try my best :D
thank you,.. ill try my best :D
Posted by: bev, bolton on 11:06am Sat 26 Apr 08
This is Andy and Mattys dad and stepmum,and i would just like to say how proud we are of them both.We wish to say to them both all the best and keep your heads down lads.
This is Andy and Mattys dad and stepmum,and i would just like to say how proud we are of them both.We wish to say to them both all the best and keep your heads down lads.
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