He's the proudest – and probably most worried – dad in the world. David Baldwin’s heart is in his mouth every time he turns on the news. That’s because all three of David’s sons are currently serving in Afghanistan.
Youngest son Matthew completed the trio of Baldwins in the conflict when he joined his two brothers in the war-torn country at the end of July.
David said: "We didn’t plan on this, that’s for sure. I’m the proudest dad in the world, and probably the most scared at times.
"I know my lads are in danger, but all you can do is cross your fingers and hope everything works out for them."
Phillip, 26, is with the Duke of Lancaster’s 2nd Battalion. Daniel, 23, is a telecoms and IT technician based in Kandahar. Matthew, 21, is a Royal Marine in 40 Commando based in Sangin.
All three were raised in Accrington and attended Hollins Technology College.
David and ex-wife Shirley, of Clayton-le-Moors, receive regular updates from their sons.
David said: "They do make a phone call when they can, sometimes it’s once a week, sometimes longer.
"One of the worst things is you put the radio on in the morning and there’s reports of someone having died in Afghanistan.
"Your heart stops and you wish it on someone else. Then they say the family have been informed and you feel guilty for feeling relieved. All the emotions you can think of are dragging away at you."
David hears from Daniel the most, as he doesn’t go out on manoeuvres, making it easier for him to communicate. Daniel his girlfriend Mary-Lynn live in Darwen and have an 18-month-old son, Bradley.
David said: "It’s very difficult because Bradley has started walking but Daniel wasn’t there to see it."
Youngest son Matthew causes his parents the most worry, being regularly shot at by the Taliban while out on patrol.
David said: "They’ve suffered some losses recently. It keeps you awake at night."
One of Matthew’s best friends, Steven Birdsall, was killed when he was shot in the head by a sniper while passing parcels over a wall.
"I used to take Matthew to Steven’s house in Warrington and they went on holiday to Mexico together just before they went to Afghanistan.
"He was a lovely young man and his sergeant described him as the perfect marine. "
David has organised a huge party at Christmas for when all three of his sons are back.
Until then he’ll carry on worrying. But no matter how worried he may be, he’s convinced his boys are out there for the right reasons.
He said: "I don’t disagree with the war. I think the Taliban need to be stopped. How many 9/11’s and London bombings would we have had by now if we hadn’t gone to war?"
