Parents receive citation for son hailed as a 'legend' by Prince

THE parents of a soldier described as a "legend" by Prince Harry after he died while trying to rescue an injured comrade in Afghanistan were yesterday presented with a citation for gallantry after their son was posthumously Mentioned in Dispatches.

Corporal Liam Riley, 21, of Killamarsh, near Sheffield, was killed a year ago today while on duty in Helmand province with the 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment.

He was caught in an explosion as he tried to reach L/Cpl Graham Shaw, who also died.

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The citation was presented to Cpl Riley's parents Mick Riley and Cheryl Routledge during a ceremony at Sheffield Town Hall yesterday that was attended by members of the soldier's family.

It was read by Capt Nick Wilson and said: "In an act typifying Riley's indomitable offensive spirit, bravery and selflessness, he sacrificed his life fighting to protect his men and to reach one of them who had fallen."

Yesterday Mrs Routledge, 46, said her son had always been fearless and selfless but added that she had told him before he left for the war zone to take care of himself and make sure he did not take any risks.

She added: "I actually sat him down and gave him the 'don't you dare put yourself in danger' talk. Today is bittersweet because we are so proud, but so sad to have lost him."