LAST year her feelings were overwhelmingly those of grief.
But this year standing by the graveside of her fallen son RAF serviceman son Christopher Bridge his mum Nicolette Williams felt enormous pride.
RAF serviceman Christopher Bridge, aged 20, from Shiregreen, Sheffield, was killed when the vehicle he was travelling in was caught in an explosion in southern Afghanistan.
Chris, a Senior Aircraftman with 51 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, was on a routine patrol around Kandahar Airfield in the morning of August 30 last year.
A civilian interpreter was also killed in the incident and two other soldiers were injured. Chris was dead on arrival at hospital.
One year on, family, friends and colleagues from the 51 Squadron filled the pews at St James' and St Christopher's Church on Saturday to pay their respects, while a graveside commemoration was held in Shiregreen Cemetery yesterday morning.
Chris' mum, 42, of Oaks Fold Road, Shiregreen, stood by her brave son's graveside wearing the two medals he received for his bravery in serving in both Iraq and Afghanistan and wearing a tattoo on her back featuring his name and regimental badge. She described the wreath laying as "beautiful".
After the Last Post was played she said: "I thought it was very fitting for a soldier. Of course we wish that we weren't stood here today. And I feel for every family that has lost their loved ones in Afghanistan - 42 British service people have died since Christopher was killed."
She added her tribute to her fallen son: "Christopher was my pride and joy, - everybody is heartbroken who knew him. He touched so many lives.
"He died courageously serving his country and Queen and we are all very proud of him.
She was accompanied by serviceman Bridge's 18-year-old girlfriend Lucy Sawyer.
Tributes were paid too from his former colleagues. Senior Aircraftmen 'Parky' Parkhouse of 51 Squadron said: "He was a good mate and when we worked together Chris was nothing less than totally proficient and hard working.
"He was liked amongst the whole flight and squadron. He will be missed so much by everyone and forever in our thoughts."
John Weston, 61, of the South Yorkshire branch of the Royal Air Force Association, said he had never met Chris but he was now "one of the family".
"We have come to support his family. We have put this date on our calendar and Chris should be remembered. We will come here once a year to lay a wreath."
- See The Star on Wednesday for Jo Davison's interview with Christopher's mum.
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