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Veteran's family urge mental health support change

BBC A head and shoulders shot of Sam Morgan wearing a uniform. He's a young man with short brown hair and is not smiling BBC
Sam Morgan's military service included three tours of Afghanistan

The family of a former Royal Marine who took his own life want the law changed so veterans receive immediate mental health care treatment.

Sam Morgan, 36, from Guisborough, near Middlesbrough, who had post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), died on 29 November.

His widow, Holly Morgan, said: "He fought every single day for his family and his babies but the support he needed just wasn't there.''

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) said it provided a "responsive, flexible, accessible and comprehensive treatment service".

Holly Morgan, wearing a light blue jumper and her mother-in-law Jan Morgan, wearing a white top, sit on a sofa together. They both look very upset.
Mr Morgan's widow, Holly, and his mother, Jan, said he failed to get the mental health treatment he needed

Mr Morgan completed three tours of Afghanistan but his mental health deteriorated after he left the military, his family said.

They said their repeated attempts to get immediate face-to-face counselling or residential treatment ended in failure.

Mr Morgan's widow added: "He said to me one time that more of his regiment had died through suicide than had been lost during their time in Afghanistan.

"He really struggled with that, he really struggled with losing his friends."

Holly Morgan Sam and Holly Morgan on their wedding day. He is wearing a pink jacket and she has a strapless dress. They are both laughing and there is confetti in their hair.Holly Morgan
The former Royal Marine was described by his family as "the life and soul of the party"

In a statement, a MOD spokesperson said the death of any person in the armed forces' community "is a tragedy".

"We recognise the profound impact this has on Sam's family and friends, and our sympathies remain with them at this difficult time.

"We are determined to provide the best possible mental healthcare services to our armed forces.''

More than 100 Royal Marines are expected to attend Mr Morgan's funeral on Saturday.

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