Sutton landlady fundraises for PTSD counsellor after losing her son in Afghanistan

Mandy Bainbridge, 54, lost her son in 2010 in and now wants to help the charities that has supported her.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Sep 2018, 12:04 BST
Updated 21st Sep 2018, 13:07 BST

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Lance Sergeant David Greenhalgh was only 25 when he was killed while serving in Afghanistan.

L/Sgt David Greenhalgh, from 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, was killed in Afghanistan on February 13 2010.

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He died instantly when his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device.

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His section was providing safe passage for a patrol near Lashkar Gah, Helmand province.

Ms Bainbridge, landlady of Speed the Plough in Sutton-in-Ashfield said: " Grieving doesn't get any easier, it gets harder and you have to learn to live with it.

"When I lost my son, I had a lot of mental disturbance, and I almost lost my mind."

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Ms Bainbridge turned to the Mansfield branch of mental health charity, Mind for help with her mental health, and now she wants to give back to them

Mind will be holding a wedding dress fayre to raise money to fund a counsellor to deal specifically with PTSD at Mansfield Mind.

Ms Bainbridge said: "A lot of veterans and active military personnel suffer from PTSD, and there's not a lot of support for them.

L/Sgt Greenhalgh's friends suffered from PTSD, and Ms Bainbridge wanted to help others like them with a specific counsellor.

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Ms Bainbridge said: "I threw myself into fundraising after losing my son. I first raised money for Help for Heroes, and funds raised from the wedding fayre will be split between Mind and the second charity is the Grenadier Guards.

" Keeping focused won't bring my son back, but I hope I can help someone else."

The wedding fayre will be held at Central Nottinghamshire MIND, 14 St John St, Mansfield NG18 1QJ on October 27 and 28.

There will be a wide range of wedding dresses, veils tiaras and shoes, as well as prom dresses.

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It's a chance to grab a bargain, as wedding dresses start from £30

Dale Jubbie: "Mind is so happy to work with Mandy, and will work hard to support our armed forces and veterans.

"Receiving the very best counselling from central Notts and Bassetlaw offices, we realise the importance for all our community the need of having that somebody to talk to.

"Our counselling team will also meet up with Mandy to discuss in greater detail for future plans

"if anybody needs any help or information, check our web pages "

If you need urgent help in a mental health crisis, please contact Samaritans on 116 123 or click here

Related topics:SuttonAfghanistanPTSD