Tributes flood in to ‘king’ dad and former soldier who died age 39
Nathanael Hill, from Kirkby, was an armour officer in the air force and during his time he completed six tours of Iraq, four tours of Afghanistan and worked on Operation Red Flag
Heartfelt tributes have poured in for a “kind” and “funny” dad. Nathanael Hill from Kirkby, Merseyside tragically passed away at just 39 years old. Nathanael was an esteemed armour officer in the air force who carried out six tours in Iraq, four tours in Afghanistan, and contributed to Operation Red Flag.
While serving in south-central Asia, the dedicated serviceman suffered injuries from shrapnel caused by a roadside bomb that was triggered remotely. He faced medical discharge from the Air Force as his battle with PTSD rendered him no longer “operationally” viable.
Post-service life presented more challenges for Nathanael; four years after his departure, he was struck with a diagnosis of late-onset type 1 diabetes, suspected by doctors to have been quietly developing over time. Compounded with a blood clot discovered in his leg during the Covid-19 pandemic, Nathanael’s leg couldn’t fully recover.
Enduring three nasty bouts of sepsis, having been resuscitated twice, Nathanael was faced with a sobering choice from doctors at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital: “Your life or your leg?”. In October 2022, with great courage, he opted for an above-knee amputation of the troubled limb.
Last year, speaking to the Liverpool ECHO, Nathanael’s unwavering spirit shone through as he voiced his determination to plunge back into triathlons, embarking on fundraising endeavours aimed at snatching gold for Team GB at the 2028 LA Paralympics. Beyond his military accolades, Nathanael was also recognised as a former player and coach with Liverpool Tritons RUFC.
A heartwarming tribute was paid to the coach by Liverpool Tritons RUFC following the news of his passing. The tribute read: “It is with deep sadness that Liverpool Tritons RUFC announces the passing of our dear friend, former player, and coach, Nathanael Hill – known to many simply as Nate.
“Nate was a cherished member of the Tritons for several years. As both a formidable player on the pitch and a passionate, dedicated coach off it, Nate brought skill, heart, and a contagious enthusiasm to everything he did. His commitment to inclusive rugby and to our community helped shape the club into what it is today.
“More than his achievements in the game, Nate will be remembered for his kindness, sense of humour, and the unwavering support he showed to teammates, new players, and friends alike. His loss will be felt deeply across the club and far beyond.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Nate’s family, loved ones, and all those whose lives he touched. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace, Nate.”
Paying tribute on behalf of his friends at the club, Simon Bartley said: “Nathanael ‘Nate’ Hill BEM was someone with service at his core. A former officer in the Royal Air Force who served his country in Afghanistan.
“Nate went on to work as an assistant to the Mayor in Blackpool, then pursued studies as a Psychologist and Biomedical Scientist, and was due to graduate as a Mental Health Specialist Nurse shortly.
“After losing his leg to sepsis in 2022 from a diabetes ulcer complication, he became determined to return to his active life. He played sport in the services and later became a very active member of Liverpool Tritons Inclusive Rugby Club.
“After the amputation he turned to coaching having been a great team member, and more importantly he went back to triathlon and was on the UK paratriathlon pathway with a goal of competing for Team GB at the Paralympics in Los Angeles in 2028.
“His friends will remember him as someone with a big heart, always willing to offer support to anyone. A shining light has dimmed with the loss of Nate, we have lost a champion for inclusion and a great friend to so many.”
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