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Pregnant Tiffany strides out for her lost soldier
The determined girlfriend of hero soldier James Leverett refused to let her advanced state of pregnancy stop her walking with fundraisers from Rawmarsh to Don Valley Stadium... in aid of their unborn baby.
Hundreds of folk set out from the Crown pub at Rawmarsh to the athletics-turned-football stadium, ahead of Rotherham United's friendly against Leicester City on Tuesday.
Donations were collected along the way, then a shirt signed by Rotherham's players was raffled off at the game.
Proceeds will be given to 18-year-old mum-to-be Tiffany Lound towards a fund for James' baby, who is expected within weeks and has been named after his father.
The body of trooper James, 20 - who died on July 5 in Afghanistan - is now home in South Yorkshire, at a chapel of rest in Rawmarsh, where his family have at last been able to visit.
His full military funeral is planned for July 29, from noon, at Sheffield Cathedral, followed by burial at Rawmarsh and a wake at the town's Star pub.
The family have requested no flowers at the funeral, with donations instead to go to the Royal Dragoon Guards, with whom James was so proud to serve.
Other details for the funeral were still being finalised this week, but it is expected that coaches will run to the Cathedral from Rawmarsh.
Tiffany's father Anthony said that although Sheffield may be a difficult location for some people, Sharon Leverett, James' mother, is overseeing all arrangements in a bid to satisfy everyone.
The soldier, lost his life after the vehicle in which he was travelling through Helmand province was blown up by a home-made bomb.
His family, including parents Neville and Sharon, brothers Neville, Lewis and Jack, and Tiffany and her parents, travelled to Wootton Bassett earlier this month for James' repatriation.
Since then, family and friends at Rawmarsh met for a night time mass launch of Chinese lanterns from RoseHill Park in his memory.
In addition, staff and pupils at Rawmarsh Community School - where James was a pupil - are planning a memorial garden with a plaque in a highly visible spot of the school grounds.
Thousands of Internet tributes have been paid to the popular trooper - known to his pals as Lev. A huge turnout is expected for his funeral ceremony next week.
Representatives from James' regiment will be in attendance for the sad occasion, along with a bearer party.
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Weather for South Yorkshire
Sunday 05 February 2012
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Temperature: 2 C to 6 C
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