Family joy at sculpture honour for soldier killed in Afghanistan

Corporal Liam Riley was just 21 when he was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan in February 2010 while trying to save a comrade’s life.

Yesterday his mother Cheryl Routledge and eight-year-old sister Olivia were among 100 people who gathered to see a metal scuplture unveiled in Killamarsh, Sheffield.

Mrs Routledge, paid a moving tribute to her “beautiful son” and after the unveiling added: “My family and I were absolutely thrilled when we were told Liam was going to be honoured in this way.

“I very much looked forward to the day when I could cast my eyes on a full-sized version of my son. Seeing Liam’s image has been worth the wait.

“It took my breath away when I first saw it. t fills my heart with such gratitude. It’s such a great likeness.

“How marvellous it will be to see my beautiful son each day on my way home from work. It will be great to take my daughter Olivia on a bike ride here, to stop off and see her brother.

“Hopefully for generations to come people will be able to appreciate my Liam and the bravery and sacrifice that he and the 403 other soldiers who have lost their lives have shown.”

Cpl Riley’s sculpture is one of three voted for by the local community in and around Sheffield as part of a unique national collection of local portraits.

Mrs Riley thanked everyone who voted for Liam and added; “The support for myself and my family and ultimately for our Liam has been nothing short of brilliant.”

Olivia added: “Liam was my big brother. I have missed him so much and I am really grateful to have this statue because I can bring my friends and show them.”