TRIBUTES and condolences have been pouring in to the family of a young paratrooper with South East Cornwall connections, who has died aged 29, from cancer. 

Lance Corporal Adam Startup, who as a young boy attended Harrowbarrow Primary School before moving away as part of a military family, is the younger son of Julie and Andrew Startup.

His grandparents Kitty and Henry Startup still live in Harrowbarrow, and his grandmother Bet Forbes lives in Callington. His grandfather Eric (Jock) is now deceased.

Adam graduated after studying at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate in 2001, earning his paratrooper's wings a year later. He twice served tours with the Parachute Regiment in Iraq and Afghanistan, and completed a tour in Northern Ireland.

It was after his first tour of Afghanistan in 2008 that it was discovered Adam had cancer. But his courage and determination did not let his illness end his army career.

He underwent chemotherapy, had three tumours removed, and fought his way back to fitness, returning to Afghanistan. Unfortunately, his cancer returned and more chemotherapy and operations followed, but in between he still remained in the services and trained other members of his unit in various disciplines. He remained fiercely committed to his job until the end.

Adam's courageous fight against cancer ended at Torbay Hospital, and there was a large attendance at his funeral service at St Augustine's Church near Braunton in North Devon on July 18.

In paying tribute his elder brother Dan, 31, said: 'Adam never once complained. He never once asked "why me?" He got on with it and was very humble, which is something that has inspired me. He'd probably have been taken aback to have seen 350 people at his funeral and a full military salute.

'I'm the older brother, but it often seemed like he was the eldest. He got me out of a few scrapes.'

Adam's mother, Julie, said: 'We have been overwhelmed by the kind tributes paid by Adam's many friends both in and out of the army, and the support we have received as a family. He was loved as a son, brother and grandson, and we will always miss him.'

Lance Corporal Startup was buried in the military cemetery at Heanton Punchardon, near Braunton.