It is with a very sad heart that I am asking for your help.

My brother, Paul Riding, passed away suddenly on Tuesday 12th December 2017.

Paul was a soldier in the 1st Royal Tank Regiment; known as ‘Prof’ to his army buddies. He joined in 1976 and served his time in Northern Ireland during the peak of the IRA troubles. He was based in Germany; where he settled and started a family. Unfortunately, as so often happens, his marriage failed and his children never got to know their father beyond the very early years.

Paul had a tough start in life; a broken family and foster care. Subsequently, we were each other’s rock. Paul saw the army as an escape route and a way to achieve something in life. After leaving the army, Paul lived a very independent life and was too proud to ask for help when he fell on hard times.

It has been quite difficult to keep in touch with Paul throughout the years, he in Germany and me in England, but we have always meant the world to each other.

I am in contact with his estranged son. However, he speaks very little English and I speak no German. Between us, we are trying to make arrangements for Paul. This is so difficult…

Thank you for any donation, no matter how small. I am hopefull that Paul will be given a dignified send-off.