Cadet Lance Corporal
Ryan Paul Francis
1992 - 2009
"Corporal Ryan Francis was a well liked and respected member of Ashington Detachment, who had many friends within the Detachment and throughout X Company. During Ryan’s time with his Detachment, he was diagnosed with terminal cancer, which was linked to a tumour above his right hip. Ryan had a lengthy course of chemotherapy treatment causing his hair to fall out and him to become very weak.
This treatment had an effect upon Ryan’s confidence, however he still attended the Detachment on a regular basis and tried to remain upbeat amongst his friends. Ryan would often be heard to say to those around him, who would often grumble regarding the weather whilst in the field or during tasks that they found mundane: "Life’s to short to complain about things".
Outside the cadets, Ryan enjoyed skateboarding and had a long term girlfriend whom he recently proposed too.Unfortunately in July of this year Ryan’s condition took a turn for the worse and he required the use of a wheel chair to assist his getting from A 2 B. Ryan, despite his illness, passed his driving test and was the proud owner of a new car which he took great pleasure of bringing to the Detachment to show his friends.
Towards the end of July, Ryan unfortunately passed away at home in his bed. On behalf of Sergeant Major Bell, Ashington Detachment and the whole of X company, we take this opportunity to remember Ryan as the inspirational and motivated cadet he was.
He will be missed and always in our thoughts."
Eulogy by Company Sergeant Major Wilce, who was once Ryan's Detachment Commander.
Photos of Ryan's friends and cadets at a memorial service held at Annual Camp this year can be seen here.
If you have any photos or memories of Ryan that you would like to add to this site, please get in touch with the PRO who will add them to this page in Ryan's memory.