IT will be two years tomorrowsince an Ipswich soldier's life was tragically brought to an end in war-torn Afghanistan.

IT will be two years tomorrowsince an Ipswich soldier's life was tragically brought to an end in war-torn Afghanistan.

But the pain the McClure family have felt ever since they received that dreaded news in August 2007 comes back even stronger every time they hear about another soldier's death.

When Private Aaron James McClure from the 1st Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment was killed in an explosion in the Helmand Province at the age of 19, along with Privates Robert Foster and John Thrumble, his family didn't know how they would cope.

Two years on and the pain of losing him is still felt as deep as ever, particularly as there are daily reminders in the news as the situation in Afghanistan worsens and the number of casualties continues to rise.

His uncle, Allan McClure, of Roundwood Road, spoke through tears about his beloved nephew, claiming that he doesn't want people to forget him.

He recently got a large tattoo done on his back in memory of Aaron.

Mr McClure said: “A few of the other family members got tattoos done after Aaron died and I was keen to get one done. I didn't realise how much it would hurt and it took about a year to do but I'm pleased it is done now.

“In the summertime walking along the seafront in Felixstowe, if just one person reads it and remembers Aaron, it will be worth it. I just want to make sure he is remembered. It is constantly on our mind because everyday on the news, it seems like there are more soldiers dying.”

Earlier this year a plaque commemorating those who died in post-1945 conflicts was erected in Christchurch Park and some of Pte McClure's family attended the unveiling ceremony, including his mother Lorraine, who struggles daily with the loss of her beloved eldest child.

Pte McClure's grandmother, Vi Currie, said: “Although we have all moved on, very slowly sometimes, Aaron is always with us, not a day goes by I don't think of him, and still cry for him.

“He will always be in our hearts, and move on we may, but losing Aaron has changed all our lives completely, and every time another soldier is killed it takes us right back to day one.

“We feel for the families and feel their pain. I also feel Lorraine's pain, as even when she is relaxed and laughing, I can see the sadness in her eyes, like she feels guilty for being happy for a while.”

Do you have a loved one in the armed forces and have been affected by the recent increase in casualties? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

Aaron

I look up to that faraway star

And wonder how close you really are

I wipe a tear from my eye

As I gaze into the dark night sky

I cannot sleep, the morn is near

As I wipe away another tear

When I think of you it hurts so much

To hear you talk, to feel your touch

I cannot bear this endless pain

The thought of never being with you again

The love I hold for you is strong

I wish you were here where you belong

The morn has broke, the sun does rise

Another day to dry my eyes

But in my heart is where you'll stay

Another Night, Another Day.