Tragic war hero lost nine pals in conflict
Ex-soldier took own life after long battle with post traumatic stress disorder
ABIRMINGHAM Iraq war veteran “took his own life” following a long battle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – after losing nine friends in the conflict.
Dad-of-two Lance Shingler, 34, bravely fought PTSD which had crippled him since he left the army in 2008.
The Birmingham City FC fan was discovered collapsed at his home in Shard End on February 12. He was rushed to hospital but died a short time later.
Leanne Poole, a close family friend, spoke to the Post on behalf of his devastated wife Hayley, aged 32, and children Riley, aged eight, and six-yearold 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.”
Mr Shingler served in Iraq between 2003 and 2008 with the Fourth Battalion The Rifles and saw many personal tragedies. Ms Poole 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 orgainisations.
“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 needs to be done for ex-servicemen because at the moment not enough is being done.”
Ms Poole has set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for Lance’s funeral costs.
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.”
Blues fans are planning a minute’s applause at the game at St Andrew’s on Saturday against Reading.
Mr Shingler’s funeral is set to take place on March 20 at The Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart and Saint Theresa in Coleshill at 12.15pm.
It will be followed by a burial at Woodlands Cemetery, Coleshill, at 1.45pm.
He found it hard to cope at times and didn’t get the support he should have Leanne Poole