Marines hero is selling medals for his children

AUCTION FIRM EXPECTS TO RAISE SIX-FIGURE AMOUNT

- ALEX GREEN

ONE of the most decorated soldiers of the modern era, who was brought up in Plymouth, is to auction off his medals to pay for his children’s futures.

Sergeant Major John Thompson, who now lives in Barnstaple, has fought off enemy forces in Afghanistan and Iraq and has been repeatedly recognised for his bravery in combat and for saving the lives of his comrades.

Sgt Major Thompson was born and raised on a council estate in Plymstock, where he said his mum often went without food in order to feed him, and he says that he never believed he could achieve so much in his life.

The Royal Marine Commando now plans to sell all seven of his medals, including a rare Afghanistan 2007 Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC) – an honour one level down from a Victoria Cross. Auction firm Dix Noonan Webb estimates their worth to be between £120,000 and £140,000.