Hero who served in FOUR wars pinned medals to chest before taking overdose

A WAR hero who battled for years with severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) died of an overdose while wearing his five war medals.

Christian Walmsley Army overdoseMEN

Christian Walmsley struggled to return to civilian life after leaving the army

Christian Walmsley, 42, served his country in the Gulf War, Bosnia, Angola and Northern Ireland with the Royal Engineers from 1989 until 2000. He struggled to adapt to civilian life when he retired. 

The father-of-three was found dead in his Bolton flat after complaining the night before of "chronic pain", an inquest heard. 

The hearing at Bolton Coroners Court heard how Mr Walmsley had been through "significant violence only soldiers experience" while serving in the Army. 

The decorated corporal was diagnosed with PTSD, depression and Fibromyalgia - a chronic condition causing deep muscle pain. 

To add to that he had two marriages which both ended in divorce and after some time in Germany he returned to the UK in the hope of rebuilding a relationship with his children but his family said he struggled to adjust. 

His stepfather, Michael Richards, told the inquest: "He'd always been such a fit lad. But when he came back he had to use a stick because he was so fatigued." 

Mr Walmsley's life went from tragedy to tragedy and he took an overdose then told his family he had tried to take his own life, but was unsuccessful. 

But before he could have a mental health assessment at the Royal Bolton Hospital he discharged himself. 

In the weeks leading up to his death his family said the army man had seemed optimistic but on November 4 last year his friends said he appeared distressed and sent text messages to his mother explaining he was in pain.

On November 6 he was discovered dead with cuts to his wrists and an empty packet of prescription drugs nearby. 

Police found a notebook with several suicide notes inside but Coroner Alan Walsh said because there were no dates on the notes he could not be certain Mr Walmsley had taken his own life. 

Recording a verdict of misadventure, Mr Walsh said: "During his service he would have experienced things only soldiers go through.

"I hope his children are reminded of the bravery he showed in serving his country."

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