‘Absolutely devastated’ Antony Cotton pays tribute after friend dies
Antony pays tribute to his friend
Coronation Street stalwart, Antony Cotton, who plays factory worker and barman, Sean Tully, has taken to Instagram after tragically losing his friend, paying tribute to his memory.
Sharing an image of the two of them together, his friend Callum proudly displayed his medals.
‘Hope you’re at peace now Callum, Antony began the caption.
‘We are all absolutely devastated. You were a great pal and a great soldier. We will miss you Callum – the blokes loved you. We all did. Rest easy mate. You were one of the very best.
‘I’m sorry we couldn’t save you’
Antony’s post was flooded with supportive comments, with @rachelfraser1409 saying: ‘This is so sad, RIP Callum. He was in Sandhurst in when my family was posted there too in 2020-2022. Thinking of his family and friends at this sad time’.
@beefeater_417 added: ‘This is sooooo sad. Love to all and his family. A mega bloke and a mega Drum Major’
@jamiemarshall2305 said: ‘This is heart breaking news! RIP Callum, a great solider and a great person, thinking of his family and friends at this sad time’ and @donna_annabel added: ‘So sorry for your loss, thinking of you and all Callum’s family and friends’
@dave1002019 contributed: ’30 year RAF veteran here it’s never easy losing a colleague and friend. My heartfelt condolences to you Anthony and this young mans family and friends at this sad time be strong per ardua and astra’ while @p_mmahon1 said: ‘God bless may Callum now rest peacefully. Sincere condolences to all those who knew and loved him, Callum will always remain with you, deep in your heart’
@kerry.mckenzie.3557 said: ‘Thank you for your service Callum. Sorry you felt there was no other way. Condolences to your family and friends, who will be beyond devastated,’ and @m4rrwill added: ‘What? No way only spoke to him Saturday was looking forward to a game of Golf and an exciting new adventure. Absolutely devastated’
Antony had previously spoken out in support veterans, having received an MBE for services to the armed forces.
When former paratrooper James Tattingham and his wife, Lucy, were hit with an enormous bill from Universal Credit following a payment from the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme, he told The Mirror: ‘This goes against our Armed Forces covenant that states no member or veteran, or their families, will be disadvantaged.
‘A government-backed scheme for something like Grenfell is completely protected forever. People can carry on claiming their UC or benefits and the money they receive in compensation has no effect on the benefits.
‘But the government-backed scheme for Armed Forces compensation is not ring-fenced. These veterans aren’t just people who have been injured at work. These are men and women who’ve gone to war for us, fought for their country.
‘They’ve come home with life-changing injuries – physical and mental health issues – that the Armed Forces Covenant promises to protect from any and all disadvantage. They’ve been failed by the very policy designed to protect them. I am appalled by it
Sasha Misra, who’s worked alongside Antony with Help for Heroes, added: ‘Veterans deserve to feel assured that if they experience injury or illness during service, they will not be punished for receiving compensation.
‘Sadly, too many veterans tell us this simply isn’t the case. It is simply wrong that compensation of this kind can be treated as income or savings. We call on the UK government to act decisively and close this loophole.’
