Charity match held in memory of Washington man who died in Iraq

A football match was held in memory of a young man who died while serving in Iraq in 2003

Jon Miller lost his younger brother Simon Miller on June 24, 2003 while serving in Iraq in the Royal Military Police.

Simon, a 21-year-old corporal, was one of six military police officers known as redcaps killed in an ambush at Al Majar, 120 miles north of Basra, in June 2003.

Jon organised a commemorative football match to commemorate 20 years since his brother’s death yesterday (Saturday, June 18).

The Northern Echo: Football match held in memory of Simon Miller who died in Iraq. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest Football match held in memory of Simon Miller who died in Iraq. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

Jon previously told The Northern Echo: “I wanted to find a way to remember Simon that wasn’t too linked to the military and more about celebrating his life.

“He was a huge football fan, so I thought it’d be a fitting way to commemorate him.”

The game was played at the ground of Washington AFC, located on the pitches where Simon played football as a boy.

“It’s about bringing everyone together 20 years on. His old friends and army lads and my friends will be there, either playing or taking part somehow,” Jon said.

The Northern Echo: There was a great turnout at the match yesterday. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest There was a great turnout at the match yesterday. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

“I think about him every day – he was what drove me to go into the military myself even though he was my younger brother so that acts as a constant reminder, but we have pictures of him everywhere too.”

The match was held a week before the 20th anniversary of Simon’s tragic death.

A fundraiser to cover the costs of the game and raise funds for charity has so far raised £3945, far exceeding the £650 target.

He added: “I can’t thank people enough for donating.

The Northern Echo: A crowdfunding page set up to assist with the costs of putting on the match has far exceeded the original target. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest A crowdfunding page set up to assist with the costs of putting on the match has far exceeded the original target. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)

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“Even in these tough times it tells you how generous people are – it’s quite humbling.

“We knew it would cost a bit to hold and give it all the bells and whistles we wanted. We wanted to try and make it cost neutral and anything else will go to charity.”

The Northern Echo: Simon Miller sadly died aged just 21 while serving in Iraq. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest Simon Miller sadly died aged just 21 while serving in Iraq. Picture: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest (Image: Sarah Caldecott, Newsquest)