Inquest into death of Christchurch dad Jamie Davis

ARMY veteran Jamie Davis was found hanged at Testwood Recreation Ground, an inquest at Winchester Coroner’s Court was told.

Jamie, (30) from Christchurch, was a well-known rugby player in the area and a member of East Dorset RFC.

He had been suffering from severe PTSD – post traumatic stress disorder – after tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq as a rifleman with 4 Rifles.

The dad-of-two had gone missing from his home in Stour Road on Friday 10th January around 2.30pm.

Members of East Dorset RFC spent all night searching for him, but his body was finally found at the ground, off Salisbury Road, the next morning.

A hearing at Winchester Coroner’s Court was told a post-mortem established the cause of death was hanging. Area Coroner Jason Pegg adjourned the hearing until 6th July.

Since her husband’s death Jamie’s widow Alicia has started a campaign to highlight the lack of help for servicemen who do not get enough help and support to deal with PTSD.

She has told how Jamie, described as a “bear of a man who was always laughing” by rugby teammates, secretly suffered night terrors and panic attacks.

Alicia, who has two sons Freddy (eight) and Brandon (11) said she would not rest until she had achieved “justice” for Jamie by raising awareness of PTSD.

She has asked for a meeting with Johnny Mercer, Minister for Defence People and Veterans.

Speaking after Jamie’s death he said that he is “determined to tackle the issue” of how veterans suffering from PTSD are dealt with.

A memorial fund set up in Jamie’s memory has raised more than £7,600 so far.

To donate visit www.gofundme.com/f/jamie-davis-memorial-fund.

If you have been affected by any issues raised in the article, contact the Samaritans’ helpline number on 116 123.