Shameless star Tina Malone has confirmed that her husband Paul Chase took his own life, revealing he had been struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder after a decade of military service. The 61-year-old actress, known for playing Mimi Maguire, said she wanted to be transparent about his death on March 13.
Paul, a former soldier in the 22nd Regiment of the Cheshires who served in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Falklands, was diagnosed with PTSD three years ago. Tina explained that he felt 'lost and useless', turning to drugs and alcohol. She said: 'He couldn't fight any more. Drugs weren't recreational. Drink wasn't social.'
The couple, who married after meeting at a boot camp in 2009, had a daughter Flame, now 10. Tina said she speaks to Paul daily and keeps his belongings intact. She is launching a foundation called Paul's Flame on his birthday, May 28, to support others facing similar struggles.
Tina criticised the lack of mental health support for veterans, noting that the suicide rate among male veterans aged 35 to 44 is nearly double that of non-veterans, according to Office for National Statistics data. She said: 'This is a man who served his country. The only way I can get through is by fighting for change.'
Paul's funeral included his military hat on his flag-wrapped coffin and the Last Post. Tina said their daughter has told her she has seen him, which she finds comforting. She added: 'I'll never get over it. I miss him so badly.'
