HARRY BACKS PTSD WAR HERO
KISSING HER NEW BROTHER Trev bowled over by reply
PRINCE Harry has backed a war hero’s campaign to improve treatment for veterans battling post-traumatic stress disorder.
Trevor Coult, who won the Military Cross after being attacked by suicide bombers in Iraq, was amazed to get a reply from Harry.
The former colour sergeant in the Royal Irish Regiment had written to the prince asking him to use his voice to help veterans who become destitute after they are discharged from the Armed Forces because of mental problems.
Trevor, 43, told the Sunday People: “Harry is a former soldier and he has met plenty of veterans who suffer from PTSD and other mental illnesses.
“But apart from the fantastic campaign being run by the Sunday People no one else seems to be concerned
about veterans with PTSD. I didn’t expect a reply from Harry because I know he is very busy. But I was staggered when he responded.”
Harry’s office wrote: “His Royal Highness was heartened to hear you feel so passionately about veterans and you can rest assured your letter has been noted. Prince Harry always appreciates receiving the views of individuals.”
Lowest
Trevor, who lives in Suffolk with his wife Luba, 37, and his seven-year-old son, developed PTSD after fighting in the Iraq war and serving in Afghanistan.
He was medically discharged from the Army with a small war pension and just £6,000 in compensation.
At his lowest ebb he tried to kill himself when he drove the family car into a wall.
He is one of more than 2,500 soldiers who have been kicked out of the Army in the last five years after developing PTSD.
Thousands more have been diagnosed with other mental illnesses.