Exclusive: Cpl Jake Hartley’s mother speaks to the Reporter

Then the dog barked and there was a knock at the door – one that changed Nathalie’s life forever.

Officers from the Yorkshire Regiment had arrived to tell her that her beloved son, Cpl Jake Hartley, had been killed while on duty in Afghanistan. He had died along with five comrades when their armoured vehicle was caught in an explosion.

Nathalie’s first response was to slam the door in their faces. But the horrendous truth could not be shut out.

Just days ahead of his 21st birthday, Jake died doing the job he loved. One he was excelling in. One he considered worthwhile.

“This was it, the moment I had dreaded,” said Nathalie, 39.

For the full interview, pick up a copy of this week’s Reporter.