Ex soldier wants hero’s farewell for his friend

Mike Riley of Leamington, who served with the Parachute Regiment, died on February 6, aged 46, in Leicester Royal Infirmary.

Mr Riley, a father of four, had struggled with post traumatic stress disorder and alcohol and drug addiction in the 14 years since he left the army.

It was during his treatment at Opreco Healthcare, in Leicester, that the veteran struck up a friendship with psychiatric nurse Steve Farley who had previously served in the Royal Engineers for 12 years.

Mr Farley said: “Mike was a friend to everybody and he always thought that his problems paled into insignificance compared to everyone else’s.

“He suffered in silence for many years and was engaging in a programme to address his problems with addiction. “His previous experiences in the military and beyond had a marked effect on his physical and mental health.

“After experiencing significant trauma in his life, Michael had begun to make some active positive life changes. “

Mr Riley led a sheltered life and would not be known to many veterans in the Leamington area.

But Mr Farley is hoping former servicemen will come to the funeral next week.

With Mr Riley’s family unable to get funding from the Royal British Legion or other charities and struggling to cover the costs of the service Mr Farley has given £900 of his own money and has launched a fundraising campaign to raise £5,000.

This will pay for a service and headstone more fitting for the veteran.

Mr Farley said: “We aim to give Michael a true heroes funereal and support his family through this traumatic experience.”

Any remaining funds could be used to help the families of soldiers who find themselves in a similar situation.

Mr Farley is also campaigning for mental health services to be specifically tailored for armed services personnel.

He said“Military personnel need a specific kind of help that only people who know what they have been through can provide.”

The funeral will take place at Leamington Cemetery in Brunswick Street on Wednesday (August 14) at noon.

Mr Farley has set up a facebook page which pays tribute to Mr Riley and provides details of the fundraising campaign.

Search for Mike Riley Parachute Regiment Veteran RIP on Facebook.

For more information call 07875 518436.

Donations can be made via paypal by visiting [email protected]