100s pay tribute to hero
The family of a Black Country soldier who was killed in Afghanistan have been inundated with hundreds of letters of sympathy. The family of a Black Country soldier who was killed in Afghanistan have been inundated with hundreds of letters of sympathy. They have included condolences from Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Princess Anne. Capt Sean Dolan, described as the finest of his generation by the Ministry of Defence, was given a hero's send-off when he was laid to rest last week with full military honours. The funeral service was held at Chester Cathedral. Today his mother Daphne said the family had been overwhelmed by tributes to the 40-year-old officer from Rowley Regis who was killed five weeks ago in Helmand province. Among them was a letter of sympathy from Princess Anne, Colonel-in-Chief of the 1st Battalion, the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment, with whom Capt Dolan served. Read the full story in the Express & Star.
They have included condolences from Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Princess Anne. Capt Sean Dolan, described as the finest of his generation by the Ministry of Defence, was given a hero's send-off when he was laid to rest last week with full military honours.
The funeral service was held at Chester Cathedral.
Today his mother Daphne said the family had been overwhelmed by tributes to the 40-year-old officer from Rowley Regis who was killed five weeks ago in Helmand province.
Among them was a letter of sympathy from Princess Anne, Colonel-in-Chief of the 1st Battalion, the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment, with whom Capt Dolan served.
His widow Mitch has also received condolences from Mr Brown.
His mother said: "It's been heart-warming to receive so many good wishes from friends, colleagues and neighbours, some whom we've never met, talking about Sean in such glowing terms.
"So much help has been given to his wife and son, Ashley, to my husband and myself and Sean's brother that we want to acknowledge and thank people.
"We've heard from so many people. All the letters have been wonderful. Through the Express & Star we want to thank everyone who thought so highly of him.
"It's comforting when people take the trouble to write or phone or speak to you in the street."
Sean's brother Andy Dolan said: "It shows what an impact Sean had on people."
Among the tributes to Capt Dolan, an avid Wolves fan, was a message from club president Sir Jack Hayward.
