£1,300 raised in memory of Cannock soldier who died in Estonia
More than £1,300 has been raised for charity in memory of a young soldier from Cannock who died while on deployment in Estonia.
Fusilier Sam Brownridge, 23, died from a "non-battle injury" on July 5 while serving with the Mortar Platoon of the First Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
The cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Described as "fun loving and fiercely loyal," Fusilier Brownridge grew up in Cannock, had a daughter called Marcè and had been a part of the platoon for almost two years.
He was one of around 900 British soldiers stationed in Estonia as part of Operation Cabrit, the codename for the British Army's deployment to Eastern Europe as part of NATO's deterrent against Russia.
In a statement, the Army described him as "a petrol head to his core" and said he had worked hard on his fitness in preparation for competing for the Army Enduro Motorcycle Racing Team.
His funeral took place on Friday and dozens of bikers turned out to pay their respects.
Now a fundraising page has been set up by his family, and the funds will be handed to ABF The Soldiers' Charity.
On the page, Emma Brownridge said: "Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
"Sam was the best brother, father and son you could ask for. He was also a very proud Fusilier Soldier for the British Army. Sam sadly lost his life whilst on deployment in Estonia last week."
Fusilier Brownridge's mother Michelle donated to the charity and said: "Son, you will always have a piece of my heart.
"You turned into a wonderful young man and father, daring and loving and strong and kind. I will love you always, until we are together again."
And his father added: "I can't say in words how much you will be missed. You made me a proud Dad and I will always love you."
Fusilier Brownridge joined the Army in January 2017 and completed his initial training at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick before being posted to the First Battalion.
He moved from Z Company to the Battalion’s Mortar Platoon in January 2019 and had been to Canada on exercise before completing the Bulldog Armoured Fighting Vehicle Driver’s Course in preparation for deployment to Estonia.
To read more, or to donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/sambrownridge
