Ex-serviceman father-of-two, 34, hit by PTSD ‘takes his own life’ after attending funerals of nine comrades killed in Iraq
- Lance Shingler died in hospital after being found collapsed at Birmingham home
- The brave veteran battled the anxiety disorder since leaving the army in 2008
- ‘Unbelievably kind man’ went to memorial services for each fallen colleague
- For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch. See www.samaritans.org for details
Iraq veteran Lance Shingler, pictured, is believed to have taken his own life after attending the funerals of nine colleagues he lost in the conflict
An Iraq war veteran devastated by the loss of nine friends in the conflict ‘took his own life’ following a long battle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Father-of-two Lance Shingler, 34, from Birmingham, attended the funerals of each of his fallen comrades as he bravely fought the condition, which had crippled him since he left the army in 2008.
He was rushed to hospital after being discovered collapsed at his home in Shard End on February 12 but died a short time later.
Leanne Poole, a close family friend, spoke to BirminghamLive on behalf of his devastated wife Hayley, aged 32 and children Riley, aged eight, and six-year-old Elliey-Jaye.
She said: ‘Lance was just an unbelievably kind man. He would do anything for anyone. He adored his wife Hayley and his two young children. Whenever he got free time he spent it with them making memories.
‘He loved taking his family on holidays and their favourite place to go as a family was Brean.
‘He was always walking up Brean Down with the kids and loved little random road trips to the seaside. He was also a huge Birmingham City fan and loved to go and watch them.
‘His death has come as a huge shock to the family and everyone who knew Lance. However, Lance suffered from PTSD ever since he left the army back in 2008.’
His death comes after it was claimed earlier this week some 14 former and serving army personnel have killed themselves in the past two months.
Johnny Mercer, the minister for veterans, said he was particularly concerned about recent deaths involving ‘a unit that served at a specific time in Afghanistan… the bloodiest time’.
The ex-serviceman, pictured right with wife Hayley, 32, and children Riley, eight, and Elliey-Jaye, six, was remembered by his family and friends as ‘an unbelievably kind man’
Lance served in Iraq between 2003 and 2008 with the Fourth Battalion The Rifles and saw many personal tragedies.
Leanne said: ‘While he was there nine of his friends died. He went to the funeral of each one.
‘When he left the army he found it hard to cope at times and he didn’t receive the support he should have from various groups and organisations.
‘An inquest will be held but the family do feel he was let down.
‘We will be highlighting the struggles of ex-military and the lack of support for PTSD so Lance’s death isn’t in vain. So much more need to be done for ex-servicemen because at the moment not enough is being done.’
Leanne has set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for Lance’s funeral costs.
A GoFundMe page has been set up in memory of the 34-year-old, who battled PTSD after leaving the army in 2008
She posted: ‘We have suddenly lost a great man in Lance Shingler who died suddenly yesterday after a long battle with PTSD he sadly took his own life.
‘He leaves behind his beautiful kids and rock Hayley.
‘Anyone who was lucky enough to know Lance will know he was always there for people in their time of need, so it feels only right to repay his kindness and thoughtfulness.’
She added: ‘This fundraiser is to give him the true HERO send off he deserves and to support his family at this devastating time.
‘Gone but never forgotten Lance.’
Birmingham City fans are planning a minute’s applause in his memory at their Championship match at St Andrew’s on Saturday against Reading.
- For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch. See www.samaritans.org for details.