Elaine Duggan holds a picture of her late husband, Richard.
A WAR widow, whose husband died after serving as a rifleman in Northern Island for the British Armed Forces, has been awarded an Elizabeth Cross emblem and scroll.
Elaine Duggan, 55, of Binstead Road, Ryde, is a member of the War Widows’ Association and was advised by the group to apply for the honour.
Her husband, Richard, died just over four years ago at the age of 45, from injuries sustained while serving as a rifleman for the Royal Green Jackets in Northern Ireland in the early 1980s.
He sustained brain damage and suffered from severe epilepsy, and was cared for by Elaine for 21 years.
Richard was the first person on the Island to have a dog for the disabled, Rory, who was trained to help him achieve daily tasks.
Elaine said: "I am absolutely delighted to be receive the award, because I wasn’t sure if I was eligible. Richard would be so proud.
"I have been told that I will officially receive the award later this year, due to the high volume of applications that have been made."
The Elizabeth Cross is a commemorative emblem, approved by the Queen.
It is given to next of kin of members of the British Armed Forces who were killed in action, or as a result of a terrorist attack, after the Second World War, or who died a subsequent and premature death as a result of an injury or illness attributed to those circumstances.
The award is made of hallmarked silver in the shape of a cross, backed by a representation of a laurel wreath, and carries the floral emblems of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
Elaine will receive a large version of the cross and a pin-on miniature, together with a memorial scroll signed by the Queen, which will bear Richard’s name.
Reporter: jamiew@iwcpmail.co.uk