Case Studies

How Scotty's helped me cope with the death of my military dad

21-year-old Steven Murphy was just three when his dad, bomb disposal expert Lance Corporal John Murphy, died by suicide.

Steven has no memories of his dad, but the emotions he felt during and after his father’s death have stayed with him as he has grown up, shaping the young man he has become.

Here, Steven shares the challenges he’s overcome after the death of his dad, and how support from Scotty’s Little Soldiers, the charity for bereaved military children, …

Bereaved military teenager’s Caribbean adventure in memory of his Mum and Dad

By the time he was 15 years old, Scotty Member Callum had experienced the devastating death of both his parents. In 2010, his dad, Sgt Steven Darbyshire of the Royal Marines, was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan. 12 years later, in 2022, his mum, Kate Darbyshire, tragically died from cancer.

Callum, now 17, has endured huge hardship for someone so young, but with the help of his brother Ryan and his Grandma and Grandad, along with the support and …

“Look for me in the stars..." Remembering our RAF hero

On the 22nd of November 2021, 42-year-old Sgt Thomas Pike died from health complications caused by COVID-19. His children, Isabella, Oliver and Evie, were 10, 8 and 3. Their dad, an Aircraft Engineer who served at RAF Coningsby, was known for his love of rugby, Star Wars and, above all, his family.

Here, Tom’s children and his wife, Amanda, share the devastating impact the Tom’s death had on the family, and how support from Scotty's Little Soldiers, the charity for …

“There are so many things I’d like to say to my dad..." How Scotty’s helped me after my Navy hero died by suicide

On the 24th of May 2020, LMEM Paul Crowther died by suicide. The 56-year-old veteran had served as a Leading Marine Engineering Mechanic in the Navy and was loved by all for his dedication, passion, and self-deprecating sense of humour. His daughter, Tuscany, was 13.

Four years on, Tuscany, now 17, shares the lifechanging impact of her dad’s death and how support from Scotty's Little Soldiers, the charity for bereaved British Forces children, has helped her …

Read More

"Daddy saved every one of their lives..." Remembering our Navy hero

On the 9th of September 2016, LNN Thomas Bovington died from an undiagnosed genetic heart condition. The 29-year-old Leading Naval Nurse and his wife, Vicky, had two children, Elizabeth and Isabelle, with whom he shared his passion for the outdoors. At the time of his death, Elizabeth was two years old. Isabelle was almost one.

Here, Vicky, Elizabeth (10) and Isabelle (8) share what life is like without their hero, how the girls feel growing up without him, and how …
Read More

“He didn’t realise how little time he had left..." Honouring my Army dad this Armed Forces Day

On the 26th of November 2011, LCpl Christopher Bradshaw was killed in a car collision. The 30-year-old soldier served in Royal Intelligence Corps of the British Army and was loved by his friends and family for his mischievous sense of humour. His son, Joshua, was just six.

Now 19 years old, Joshua shares how going through the death of his dad at such a young age impacted his life, how he plans to honour and remember him this Armed Forces Day, and how support …
Read More

“I always wish my dad was still here…” How I honour my military hero

Brooke Scott was only seven months old when her dad, Corporal Lee Scott of the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, was killed in action while serving in Afghanistan. In the aftermath of Lee’s devastating death, Brooke’s mum, Nikki Scott, set up Scotty’s Little Soldiers in his memory.

The charity’s mission? To give every bereaved British Forces child emotional support, outstanding development opportunities, and the chance to smile again.

Here, …
Read More

"I wouldn’t change my Scotty’s friends for the world."

Lexie Pallett was 11 years old when her dad, Sergeant Oliver Pallett, died by suicide. He served in the RAF for 22 years, during which time he had completed multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was an accomplished aircraft technician and served on the VC10, Herc, Voyager and A400.  

“My dad was a real aircraft geek and loved everything about them, even working on planes that were retired and taking me and my family with him,” says Lexie, now 15. “He was a kind …
Read More

Older Posts