Girlfriend of York soldier pays tribute to her soul mate (From York Press)

Matthew Hatton's girlfriend Tasha Chehab pays tribute to her soul mate

10:26am Tuesday 18th August 2009 in Matthew Hatton By Gavin Aitchison, gavin.aitchison@thepress.co.uk

THE girlfriend of York war hero Matthew Hatton has paid an emotional tribute to the “love of my life” as his body was being flown home to Britain today.

The 23-year-old soldier from Haxby became York’s first victim of the war in Afghanistan when he was killed in a double-explosion in Helmand. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that his body, and those of the two comrades who fell with him, were being flown to RAF Lyneham, for a private ceremony at the base’s chapel of rest.

More than 1,300 people have now joined a special tribute website set up by Lance Bombardier Hatton’s girlfriend Tasha Chehab and family, with many posting moving tributes to the soldier.

Tasha wrote: “I now know you have gone, but never will I forget you. We are soul mates and you always will be the love of my life. We have memories that will never be forgotten. I love you with all my heart my darling Matthew.”