An MP told of her "devastation" after an army veteran killed himself near to her home and called for greater mental health support for those in the armed forces before discharge.
The tragic case of Wesley McDonnell was highlighted last month by politician Marie Rimmer in the House of Commons, eight months after he was found dead in a children's play area in St Helens.
The 35-year-old had served for 20 years in the British Army, going on tours to Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.
But in January, the longstanding sergeant was discovered at a children's play area at Queen's Park in St Helens, on Boundary Road.
He had been struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder.
At the end of September, Ms Rimmer, St Helens South & Whiston MP, spoke of Mr McDonnell's case, as his sad death happened just outside her home.
She reflected that “sadly there are still many others out there like him.”
In his response in Parliament, Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer stressed that “any veteran suicide is a tragedy for the individual, for their family, but also for us as an institution.”
Mr Mercer continued that the government “has a job of work to do,” on this issue despite some progress being made.
Following the exchange, Ms Rimmer said: “I will never forget waking up this year to see the flashing lights over the road.
"I was worried about what was happening, but when I learnt that Wesley had taken his own life I was devastated.
“There are no greater people in our country than our armed forces personnel.
"They are the brave men and women that put their own lives on the line to protect all of us.
"As a country, there is a duty to look after our veterans.
"But the care plan needs to be put in place before our men and women leave service.
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"I hope the Government looks at ways to improve the situation.
"After all, our veterans looked after us, we should look after them.”
In February, Mr McDonnell's family spoke of how the St Helens soldier was "loved beyond belief."
His niece Lauren McDonnell, who thought of her uncle more like a dad, said: "Wez, you will never know just how much you made us all so proud.
"It wasn’t just family and friends either, you made our town of St Helens proud.
"Nobody could replace you or fill the emptiness in our hearts."
The British Army also paid tribute to the recruit who signed up at the age of 17, recalling: "Kind and generous, his wisdom and company will be missed by many."
Gillian McKinnon, area manager for the Royal British Legion in Merseyside and Cheshire, said: “Whilst the majority of people who serve in our Armed Forces go on to transition well into civilian society, some individuals do experience serious issues, which can lead to suicide and self-harm, and when we do encounter vulnerable beneficiaries facing such issues, we will do all we can to ensure they get the vital support they need.
“Thanks to the support of the British public every year at the Poppy Appeal, we are able to provide a Contact Centre for veterans with fully-trained staff on 0808 802 8080, so help is just a phone call away for any veteran who might be struggling.”
Mr McDonnell began his military career with the 1st Battalion, The Queen’s Lancashire Regiment, before time with The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.
He completed an infantryman course at Catterick in 2001 and was then deployed as a rifleman to Northern Ireland.
The St Helens man was deployed to Iraq in 2006 as a section commander and then completed three separate tours to Afghanistan between 2007 and 2015.
A spokesman said: "Sergeant McDonnell will be remembered as a proud, professional soldier who was loyal, committed to service and put the need of others before his own.
"Kind and generous, his wisdom and company will be missed by many.
"He will be fondly remembered by his regimental family."
The soldier also served in Cyprus, Kenya, Canada, Germany and the Falkland Islands.
