Traumatised Iraq veteran found dead

A SOLDIER left traumatised by the war in Iraq has been found dead just a week before he was due to receive help for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The body of Nick Bezuidenhout, a father of one, was discovered earlier this month in a property he shared with other veterans. The 27-year-old, who was found dead in Stafford, joined the Royal Artillery and was sent to Iraq aged 18. He had suffered from PTSD since he finished his service in 2010.

Mr Bezuidenhout’s family have paid tribute to a “lovable rogue who loved serving his country”. Alison Davies, his mother, has been left devastated by the death, which comes just a year after her husband, Mick Davies, died.

The 52-year-old, of Hanford, Staffordshire, said: “The whole family is finding it so hard after losing Nick and we can’t get our heads around it.

“This is so tragic. We can’t believe it. He had been suffering very badly with PTSD as he saw quite a few things happen to his friends in Iraq.

“He wasn’t coping well at all over the last couple of years, but he was about to get things sorted for himself. Nick was about to turn the corner.

“Nick was a very outgoing person and a lovable rogue. He was very kindhearted and quite a practical joker. Joining the Armed Forces was something he’d always wanted to do.

“His stepdad, who spent 22 years in the Parachute Regiment, gave him the final push to join and helped him make up his mind 100 per cent.”

The result of Mr Bezuidenhout’s post-mortem examination has yet to be revealed.