GAZETTE & HERALD: THE widow of Lyneham hero Flight Sergeant Mark Gibson has sent her heartfelt thanks to all her friends, family and neighbours for the tremendous support she and her seven-year-old daughter Poppy have received since his tragic death almost three months ago.

Mrs Sheila Griffiths-Gibson, 38, of Gairlock Close, Swindon, said that without their support she doesn't know how she would have carried on after the devastating news of January 30.

Her husband Mark, 34, was killed along with nine other servicemen when their Hercules came down in Iraq.

"Since that time my life has become a blur. The pain and anguish is indescribable and my heart feels empty.

"Even now, I will the phone to ring and Mark to say 'Hi babe, only me' but I realise this will never happen again."

The last call she had from her husband came the day before the accident a call she treasures and is eternally grateful for.

"We both spoke to him, both me and Poppy, and I'm so grateful we got that chance."

Mrs Griffiths-Gibson, says Poppy, who attends Peatmoor Community School, has been coping well and has many of the characteristics that made her dad such a well-loved man.

"I see a lot of him in her she's very funny and quick-witted, far too quick witted for me, and those are exactly the things that made me fall in love with Mark," said Mrs Griffiths-Gibson.

She has written to her daughter's school thanking all the staff and pupils for their support.

"Mark was an amazing person and I count myself so lucky to have been his wife. Because of his zest for life he was, and will be, an inspiration to me constantly. He was the love of my life.

"I have received so many letters and cards and I thank everyone for that; their kind words gave me tears, laughter and comfort. The support I have received has been amazing and without this I wouldn't be able to put a smile on my face and function each day," said Mrs Griffiths-Gibson who plans to return to work as a ward sister at the Great Western Hospital next week.

Neighbours have collected money to buy presents for Poppy as well as helping tidy-up and re-plant a fir tree outside the front of their house.

Colleagues at the Great Western Hospital also collected money and with it have bought a star in the Hercules constellation which has been dedicated to Mark and designated with the date of his death.

"I told Poppy that now we can look up at night and the brightest star twinkling in the sky is daddy," said Mrs Griffiths-Gibson.

Mark was buried with full military honours including a flypast of a Hercules - at St Mary's Church, Lydiard Tregoze on April 4 the same church in which the

couple got married 14 years earlier. Nicknamed 'Radio Gibbo' because of his love of music, the number one hit song 'Amarillo' by Tony Christie was played as his coffin was carried through the graveyard.

"I hear that song everywhere I go and Poppy loves singing it at the top of her voice. I thought the funeral was wonderful, so dignified and just right. The Hercules flying right overhead was a real lump in the throat moment."

She described her husband as a man who loved his job, his life, his family and music and adored his friends. "He would be so proud and chuffed to observe the tremendous level of support that his friends have given myself and Poppy.

"The last thing Mark would say prior to going en route would be if anything happens, ring the boys, they'll look after you and sort it out and they are."

She asked the Gazette to express thanks to: Both her and Mark's family; RAF Lyneham and 47 Squadron; Terri and Gareth; Tom and Sally; Carrie and Steve; Dangerous; Blatchy; Eiff; Mac and Debbie; Jeanette and Paul; Steph and Wayne; Sam and Steve; Lisa M; Rachel P; Tania C; Sheena; Cathy C; Nadine and Martin; Lisa H; Tommo and Jan; Helen and Brian; Chris Rodham; Rachel and Neil; Andy Griffiths; Dave and Paula; Martin and Helen; Heather; Lucy; colleagues and friends on the Orthopaedic Unit at GWH; and neighbours.