A war hero who developed PTSD was driven to the brink of suicide after becoming an “embarrassment” to the Army.
Former Lance Sergeant Frankie Ward says he was even victimised by his bosses when he returned from Afghanistan.
Frankie, 36, claims: “Developing PTSD is a terrible thing. I never, ever thought it would happen to me.
“But when I needed help, I was victimised by senior members of my regiment who were meant to be responsible for my welfare.
“I was at the point where I thought about suicide. I didn’t want to go on.”
Frankie was diagnosed after rescuing soldiers while under fire on the frontline.
He was sent home on sick leave for six months but says he did not get a single call, visit or email from his battalion.
He was medically discharged in 2016 after 12 years of service and told he was not allowed to serve again after being diagnosed with depression.
Now he is forced to survive on a pension of just £900 a month.
He said: “I became ill after serving my country but instead of helping me, I was effectively booted out of the Army. I was made to feel as though it was my fault that I was ill.
“I had several relapses and was victimised by senior ranks who looked on me as an embarrassment.”
Frankie arrived in Afghanistan in October 2010 and served almost every day on the frontline until March 2011.
One incident he still struggles with involved the death of Sapper William Blanchard, from the bomb disposal unit, who was shot by a sniper.
Frankie ran 200 yards under fire to reach him and give first aid, then carry him back.
Frankie went on to save the lives of soldiers who lost limbs in bomb blasts. He even volunteered to take part in extra patrols so his pals would have extra medical support.
Commanders called him an “excellent soldier” with “true infantry grit” and he was recommended for promotion.
But he began to suffer nightmares, flashbacks and anxiety. He eventually had PTSD counselling but his medical records say he developed a “substantial disability”.
Frankie, from Birmingham, said: “I loved the Army, I had a great career ahead of me but I struggled when I returned. My pension barely covers my costs. The MoD say they won’t pay me any more until they know how long my illness will last but said my illness means I can never serve again.
“If it wasn’t for the help of my family I wouldn’t be here now, I would have taken my own life a long time ago.”
The MoD said it did not comment on cases, but take the mental health seriously, giving access to mental health services, training and a 24-hour helpline. It added: “We’re working hard to tackle the stigma around coming forward and urge anyone struggling to seek support.”
The Sunday People campaigns for veterans with our Save Our Soldiers crusade.
