Hundreds of tributes have been paid to Iraq war hero Wesley McDonnell, 35, who was tragically found dead in a children's play area.
Emergency services were called to Queens Park Recreation Centre on Boundary Road last month of reports of concern for the safety of the man.
The man, who turned out to be Mr McDonnell, was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
The St Helens man was a longstanding sergeant in the British Army and had been suffering with PTSD.
He had completed tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and served in Cyprus, Kenya, Canada, Germany and the Falkland Islands.
Relatives revealed Mr McDonnell, stationed with the Duke of Lancaster Battalion, had suffered with mental health worries, specifically post traumatic stress disorder.
Many tributes have come in form people expressing their condolences to Mr McDonnell’s family but also thanking him for his military service.
Karen Amanda Primrose, said: “RIP soldier, your duty is done. Sleep tight - you may be gone but we will remember what you have done. My condolences goes out to the family at this sad time xxx.”
Peter Heaton, said: “Stand easy, soldier, your tour is over. RIP.”
"RIP soldier, your duty is done. Sleep tight, you may be gone but we will remember what you have done”, said Karen Amanda Primrose.
Other people have expressed their anger at how they feel Mr McDonnell had been let down by mental health care services for veterans in this country.
Julie Longden, said: “So very sad thoughts with his family and friends. Peace to you, young man, our country has let you down x.”
Jackie Hyland, said: “RIP you have done your service for the country, but your country let you down. Sleep well brave soldier in eternal peace.”
Yvonne Shepherd, said: “He is not the only Army soldier to end his life like this. I wish Panorama would do a documentary revealing the suffering of our forces. There needs to be adequate mental health support in place for when they retire.”
In a reference perhaps linked to veterans' charity Combat Stress announcing last month that they are having to stop new referrals due to a funding crisis, Jude Foster, said:
“Wes was a lovely lad. The day before it was announced that the mental health charity specifically for soldiers was to close due to lack of funds. So sad.”
Tributes had already been paid to Mr McDonnell by his heartbroken friends and family, who poignantly declared: "Stand easy, warrior, your duty is done."
In a moving post on website Go Fund Me, a close family friend said: "As with many serving and veteran soldiers, Wes had struggled with PTSD and on the 26th January 2020, he succumbed to those demons of PTSD, sadly taking his own life, at the young age of 35.
"He was a much-loved uncle, great uncle, brother and dear friend to all that knew him.
"He was a well-respected Platoon Sergeant and had many friends around the globe.
"Wes will be greatly missed by all those that had the pleasure of serving with him, and those that knew him outside of the army family."
Mr McDonnell's relatives have asked those attending his funeral, rather than sending flowers, to instead donate money to two mental health charities, which the soldier supported.
Grieving family and friends of Mr McDonnell helped raise nearly £700 from a £2,000 target for his cause.
To contribute to the GoFundMe page, visit here.
