TONY BLAIR’S multi-million pound donation to a sports centre for injured troops was last night described as “blood money” by families of soldiers killed in Iraq.

The former Prime Minister is handing over the reported £4.6m advance he received for his memoirs, A Journey, as well as any royalties.

A spokesman for Mr Blair insisted he had always intended to give the proceeds to charity to recognise the “courage and sacrifice” of the Armed Forces.

However, John Miller, from Washington, Wearside, whose son, Corporal Simon Miller, was killed in an ambush by an Iraqi mob in 2003, said the former Sedgefield MP was motivated by guilt.

He said: “Everybody knows this was blood money.

He wants people to look at him in a better light.

“It would have been much better if he had given it to the families who have lost their sons in Iraq or Afghanistan.”

Peter Bierley, from West Yorkshire, whose son Shaun was killed in Iraq in 2003, also described the donation as blood money.

And anti-war activists accused the ex-premier of trying to buy forgiveness for bloody campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The money will go towards the Royal British Legion’s Battle Back Challenge Centre, which is due to open in summer 2012.

The £12m complex will provide accommodation and a gym and training facility for injured service personnel.

A statement announcing the gift on the ex-Prime Minister’s website said: “Tony Blair decided on leaving office that he would donate the proceeds of his memoirs to a charity for the Armed Forces as a way of marking the enormous sacrifice they make for the security of our people and the world. The Royal British Legion is just such a cause.

“In making this decision, Tony Blair recognises the courage and sacrifice the Armed Forces demonstrate day in, day out.”

The director-general of the Royal British Legion, Chris Simpkins, said: “Mr Blair’s generosity is much appreciated and will help us to make a real and lasting difference to the lives of hundreds of injured personnel.”

Mr Blair’s friend and former constituency agent John Burton denied he had been motivated by a “guilty conscience”.

“He is quite convinced the reasons for going into Iraq are still right,” he added.

Mr Blair’s former communications advisor, Lance Price, said the former premier would have faced a lot of criticism if he had just “pocketed the money”as he was now a very wealthy man.