A Brit soldier who was killed fighting in Ukraine died “for what he believed in.”
Dad-of-two Simon Lingard, from Blackburn, Lancashire, died on Monday (November 7) after travelling to the front lines in the besieged nation to lend a hand in the fight against Russia.
The soldier, also known as “Grimmy”, had previously served in the UK’s Special Forces and served several tours in Afghanistan.
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His son Jackson wrote on a crowdfunding page: “As most people are aware my Dad Simon Lingard, (Grimmy) sadly lost his life in Ukraine on Monday 7th November.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
“My Dad was an inspiration to all who knew him, a real life hero who died fighting for what he believed in.
“He was loved and adored by so many a true representation of what a soldier should be.”
They added that the family was “absolutely heartbroken” at their loss.
“The Ukrainian Military have offered to bring him home to England but we need help to show him the respect and adoration he deserves by giving him the greatest well-deserved send-off.”
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Jackson added: “I can’t put into words how much he is (and will be) missed, but I’m comforted to know that this happened doing what he loved and surrounded by friends. I love you dad, I’m so proud of you.”
The family launched a GoFundMe, which quickly surpassed its goal of raising £6000.
His family were not the only ones to pay tribute to the soldier – his friends also took to Facebook to share their condolences, calling him a “warrior” and a “real man”
One said: “Ohh it’s with a very heavy heart I write this but Si Lingard you were a top bloke.”
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Lingard is thought to have fought on the front line in Ukraine for months.
He is one of several Brits to have died in the Ukraine war after former soldier Jordan Gatley, 24, lost his life in June and another former member of the Armed Forces, Scott Sibley, 36, died in April of this year.
Craig Mackintosh, 48, was also killed while aid worker Paul Urey was also killed after being captured by Russian soldiers.
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