Statement from Mrs Beckie MacKinney

Statement from Mrs Beckie MacKinney
The following statement is being released at the request of Mrs Beckie MacKinney, widow of Lance Corporal Jared MacKinney who tragically lost his life in action in Afghanistan.

The long journey without Jared has begun for Annabell and me, and soon also little Noah Jared who is due to come into the world in a fortnight. Noah will never get to meet his father but he will come to know him for the incredible man he was through our love and memories.

So many people have helped our families through the dark times of the last few days, people we know and also many people we have never met, who wanted to help ease our pain.

On behalf of the families I would like to very sincerely thank them for their best wishes and generous support. I would like you to know that it made a very real difference. In the next few weeks I hope I can personally thank as many of you as I can

To Jared’s mates in Afghanistan and back home – we were all very proud of Jared and the work he loved doing. I want to thank you for your caring and the incredible messages of support and I know Jared would want me to tell you that we are very proud of you and fully support you in the job you are doing for us all.

I would also like to express our appreciation to the media for the very sensitive manner in which they have covered the tragic events of the past few weeks, and also their ongoing respect for our privacy.
We have reached the deepest depths of despair since we were told of Jared’s death, but we have also been helped and comforted by the support and extraordinary generosity of spirit of old friends, new friends, and strangers who cared.

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