Mum's fears as son (16) joins the Army

Colin Hutton • Published 1 Sep 2009 15:00

But brave Stephen says he is ready for life as a squaddie

A MUM whose only son is joining the army at the tender age of 16 has revealed she is "terrified" at the prospect of him being posted in the middle of a war zone.

Liz MacDonald has admitted that she still sees Stephen as her "we'an" and has struggled to come to terms with his courageous career choice.

A former Vale of Leven Academy pupil, Stephen will start his intensive training course on Sunday at the Army base in Catterick, North Yorkshire - which will last for well over a year - before eventually joining the Scots Guards.

The 41-year-old mum, from Renton, told the Reporter: "I was devastated when he announced that he wanted to join the army, but I'm getting used to it and I have to keep reminding myself that it's what he wants to do.

"I would have rathered he had done something else, although I am proud of him at the same time.

"To me he is still just my we'an and he has only just come out of school."

Despite his mum's worries, Stephen cannot wait to get started and is looking forward to the structure Army life will give him.

Although he knows it will be tough - especially being so far away from his mum, dad David, 48, and sister Kayleigh, 18 - Stephen believes he has made the right job choice.

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This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 01 Sep 09

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