THERE can be few tougher jobs than breaking the news to families that their loved ones serving in the UK forces have been killed or seriously injured.

Yet it was a crucial task that Lieutenant Colonel Marc Lawson led in the north west with the utmost distinction.

During a two-year period, when almost all of the region’s 2,000 regular troops were deployed, he was the ‘singular driving force’ behind the support given to relatives of the fallen and injured soldiers.

He is said to have put the needs of others ahead of himself, but never asked for praise or recognition.

However, others who witnessed his dedication believed that was something the St Helens Army officer deserved, and it emerged this week he has been awarded the MBE.

Marc was responsible for the welfare of the families of soldiers serving at home and in war zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan, between 2009 and 2010. During this time he was Deputy Chief of Staff at 42 (North West) Brigade, based at Fulwood Barracks, Preston.

The 39-year-old, a former Rainford High School pupil and winger with Liverpool St Helens rugby union club, is said to have helped a vast number of service personnel and their families, developing what the Army has described as ‘ground-breaking initiatives’.

He supervised the organisation of almost 170 officers given the sensitive task of informing families that their loved ones had been killed or injured.

A citation for the honour praised his self-sacrifice and devotion to duty.

Marc, who lives with wife Jane, 37, in Dentons Green, said: “I’m very surprised to be awarded an MBE. It has come completely out of the blue, but I feel humble to receive the commendation.

“I worked in a dedicated team at 42 Brigade, where the staff gave their all to provide the best support possible to the families of those deployed on operations.

“The fantastic work undertaken by the brigade team and the casualty visiting and notifying officers ensured we played our part in contributing to the welfare support of service families in the north west, allowing our colleagues overseas to concentrate on the job in hand.

“I hope to have made a small difference to the lives of our incredible soldiers and their families.”