A FORCES charity has come to the aid of a heartbroken mum whose son was murdered in Iraq.

Earlier this year, Forces Support helped Patricia Long find a new home; and this week they have redecorated her two-bedroom council bungalow and given her new garden a makeover.

Mrs Long’s son Paul, a Red Cap, was one of six military policeman killed when a 400-strong mob overran a police station in Majar al-Kabir in southern Iraq in June 2003.

The 24-year-old Corporal died along with Ben Hyde, 23, from Northallerton, and Simon Miller, 21, from Washington, Wearside.

In 2006, a coroner ruled the six had been unlawfully killed and wrote to the Government expressing concerns about their lack of ammunition, inadequate communications support and the road-worthiness of their vehicles.

The families have long campaigned for a public inquiry. Mrs Long was at the High Court for a hearing last week, which ran over the 12th anniversary of her son’s death, and is waiting to hear the outcome. That may not come until towards the end of the year, however.

The 63-year-old, who lives with her other son Byron, was overwhelmed by the help from Forces Support.

“They did my bedroom and now they’re doing Byron’s. They’re doing the lounge and the hall and the garden.

“I think it’s wonderful of them. It’s helped loads. I couldn’t have done it without their help.

“It’s taken a lot of stress off my shoulders. I can sit, relax and enjoy it now.”

Forces Support offers practical support to families who have lost loved ones serving in the armed forces.

That can include gardening, redecorating and building memorial areas and children’s facilities and there is currently a waiting list of jobs until next February.

Since 2010, the charity has helped more than 200 families – including 63 this year alone. For more information, visit forcessupport.org.uk

Mrs Long moved from Hebburn to Jarrow, South Tyneside in May.

She said: “Paul’s always in my thoughts. He’s the first thing I think about every morning and the last thing every night.”