Funeral of marine killed in blast

His funeral took place with full military honours

The wife of a Royal Marine killed in Afghanistan has spoken of her devastation at losing "her soul mate", as his funeral was held.

L/Cpl Steve Fellows, 26, of Sheffield, was killed after an explosion hit his vehicle while on routine patrol in Helmand province on 12 December.

His coffin was carried into the city's cathedral by marines from 45 Commando.

Commanding officer of the unit Lt Col Jim Morris, said: "We have lost a future leader of undoubted potential."

Shoppers stood in silence as the family of L/Cpl Fellows, known as Jamie, arrived at the cathedral.

His funeral took place earlier with full military honours.

In a statement released to coincide with the service, L/Cpl Fellows's wife Natalie said: "I am completely and utterly devastated and my life is so empty without Jamie.

I have never seen two people more in love than Jamie and Natalie. L/Cpl Fellows's father-in-law Phil Couldwell

"He was my reason for living at this moment and I have never felt so alone despite the love and support of my family and friends.

"Since I learnt of this terrible tragedy, even the simple mundane daily tasks, no longer have the same significance without knowing that Jamie is here to be part of my life.

"I cannot imagine how normality can ever return, or how the pain could ever recede without Jamie, my husband, my best friend and my soul mate standing by my side."

Mrs Fellows said she had known her husband since he was aged 16 and also described his love for his four brothers to whom he was "completely and utterly dedicated".

L/Cpl Fellows's father-in-law Phil Couldwell said: "I have never seen two people more in love than Jamie and Natalie.

"The love and passion they shared for each other is beyond any words.

"I cannot explain the sadness and devastation that Jamie's loss has had on my daughter."

Outstanding recruit

L/Cpl Fellows's family said he had wanted to be a Royal Marine Commando since the age of eight and had pursued his dream with "steely determination".

He joined the corps in 2006, aged 24, after working for a time as a holiday rep.

He excelled in his training and was awarded the Kings Badge as the most outstanding recruit in his troop.

He was promoted to L/Cpl within 11 months of finishing his initial training.