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Thomas Wootton was born in 1979.
Tom attended Newbridge Preparatory School in Tettenhall and Yarlet School near Stafford. He went on to Ellsemere College in Shropshire, where he enthusiastically joined the Army Cadet Force and set the foundations of his Army career.
He joined the Royal Gloucester, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment, where he immediately showed himself to be a selfless and committed young officer.
Tom transferred to the West Midlands Regiment, where he took command of the Regimental Recruiting Team. He was responsible for bringing the regiment up to full strength; a difficult task, but one he undertook with considerable enthusiasm and diligence and in which he made a considerable impact.
He was a close friend to many in the Officers’ Mess, but was also very close to his soldiers. He led by example and his soldiers responded positively, safe in the knowledge he had their best interests at heart. He loved his time in the Army, and was known for his great sense of humour, and his patient and caring style of leadership.
Tom died suddenly of a brain haemorrhage in March 2007, after collapsing at work. This was a double tragedy for the family, as Tom’s sister Charlotte died of cancer aged eight in 1982. Tom was registered as an organ donor, and the organs he donated helped to save the lives of six other people.
Tom’s mother Gill: "He was a chap with a big heart. One of the letters I have received about him said he was always there for everyone. There were no signs that he was ill. An ambulance was there within a couple of moments but he couldn’t be saved."
Tom's regiment: "He had a deep sense of duty, compassion and extraordinary commitment. He was known for his sense of fun and good humour, and was, in every part, an officer and a gentleman and will be sadly missed by all at the Regiment."
You may donate to the Tom Wootton Rose Fund by calling 0845 241 4828.
Visit the Tom Wootton Memorial Fund.
