THE family home of Wirral Corporal Steven Boote, who was killed while on duty in Afghanistan, has been given a makeover by a soldiers' charity which helps bereaved relatives.
Corporal Boote's mother Margaret found out about Forces Support – Honouring The Fallen, through a friend on Facebook earlier this year and got in touch.
As a result the hallway, stairs and landing of her home in Prenton are currently being decorated by a trio of decorators, who work on similar projects across the country.
Margaret Boote at home today, surrounded by pictures of son Steven. Picture: Geoff Davies
Mrs Boote told the Globe this morning: "There are not many people who know about this charity, so I think it’s important to highlight its work.
"There are a few bereaved families of soldiers in Wirral who would really benefit from their help.
"The fact that they support families like us is amazing, really helps.
"The work they have done must not go un-noticed.
"It's a nice way to help bereaved families of soldiers and keeps their memory alive."
Corporal Steven Boote died while on duty in 2009
Corporal Boote, 22, from Prenton, died at Blue 25, a police checkpoint in the Nad-e'Ali District of Helmand Province, Afghanistan in November 2009.
A member of the Royal Military Police, he was one of five soldiers shot dead by an Afghan policeman they were training.
His funeral, which was held at Christ Church in Port Sunlight, was attended by more than 200 people. He is buried at Landican cemetery.
In tribute to his bravery a bench, bearing a plaque with his name on, was unveiled near the war memorial in Osmaston Road, Prenton in March 2010.
Mrs Boote, who has organised a number of fundraising projects for soldiers' charity Help For Heroes in his memory over the years, continued: "I will keep Stephen's name going for as long as I can."
At work on the makeover at Margaret Boote's home today. Picture: Geoff Davies
The makeover's leader Ray Woodall, from Forces Support said: "It's a fantastic charity supporting these families and I'm proud to be part of it.
"It's rewarding to see the families' faces lit up once they see the finished job."
Forces Support staff Aaron Woodall, Ray Woodall and Richie with Margaret Boote at her home today. Picture: Geoff Davies
He continued: "For me, I suppose it helps fill the hole that has been left in their lives following a bereavement.
"I know how the family feels, because I’ve lost a loved one too.
"Their loved ones have been out fighting for their country, so it's nice to do something like this, because it's a tribute to their bravery."
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