A childhood friend of a North East veteran has called for greater mental health awareness after her friend took his own life.
Michaela Hindmarsh, 33, from Thornaby in Stockton, has called for greater mental health awareness after former marine, Adam Thompson, 33 took his own life.
She said Adam, also from Thornaby, had struggled with PTSD and his mental health since leaving the marines.
Ms Hindmarsh, who has set up a fundraiser to help towards Adam's funeral costs, has urged men to reach out and wants more to be done to help people who are struggling.
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Speaking on Adam, she said: "[He was] the life and soul of the party. He was a true lad, he was one of the boys.
"He was loyal, he was fun to be around, he was just a normal lad, happy-go-lucky.
"Men's mental health is big, there is a big stigma about lads talking and that kind of stuff.
"People need to be kinder to each other, you never know what someone's going through.
"He will be missed by everyone. I hope he's at peace, free from his demons."
Ms Hindmarsh said Adam first joined up with the Royal Marines around the age of 16 to 17, and completed training to become a Royal Marine Commando.
Speaking on men's mental health, she urged men to "reach out" and hopes more men will be heard.
So far, Ms Hindmarsh's fundraiser has raised £725 and has a goal of £1,500.
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A separate fundraiser launched by Adam's friend and fellow soldier, Johnathan Nelson, is raising money to help towards funeral costs.
In the post, he paid tribute to his late friend calling him an "absolute gent" and called for greater mental health awareness.
He said: "We’ve got to get round each other.
"There's not one lad who deserves to be fighting the fight alone."
So far, Mr Nelson's fundraiser has smashed its £500 goal, raising £3,180.
Adam's family did not wish to comment publicly.
You can find Ms Hindmarsh's fundraiser here, and Mr Nelson' fundraiser here.
If anyone is struggling with their mental health - the Samaritan's number is 116 123.
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