Mel B reveals anger over the suicide of her body guard

Mel B has detailed her anger over the suicide of her former bodyguard who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder following his time in the Royal Marines.

The Spice Girl, 44, has said more must be done to aid those in the armed forces dealing with the condition in the wake of 31-year-old Corporal Ash Nickles’ death.

Corporal Nickles, who was an Afghan War veteran, was found dead at his home wearing his ceremonial blues uniform and medals on November 22.

Just days before he was discovered the former Marine had sought help from two medical centres for his PTSD, however they both reportedly turned him down.

Following the news, Mel told the Mirror: ‘[It was] a damming indictment of the lack of help for those suffering PTSD who are in such desperate need’.

Mel went on to reveal that she and Ash discussed his PTSD at length as she also suffered due to an emotionally abusive marriage.

Help: The Spice Girl, 44, has said more must be done to aid those in the armed forces dealing with the condition in the wake of 31-year-old Corporal Ash Nickles’ (pictured) death

The father-of-one served in the forces for 12 years and apparently began to suffer with his mental health after leaving the Marines.

After being wounded during his time in Afghanistan, Ash was treated for PTSD and went on to work as a security guard for Ross Kemp and The Only Way Is Essex cast. 

Mel met Ash when he was employed to look after her daughter Phoenix, 19, and she claimed he looked after her like she was his own daughter.

Tragic: Corporal Nickles, who was an Afghan War veteran, was found dead at his home wearing his ceremonial blues uniform and medals on November 22 (pictured together in 2018)

Mel sweetly recalled: ‘I remember thinking, “this man would take a bullet for my child'” Our worlds were so different, but we had a connection.

‘When I had to do a tour for my book, Brutally Honest, I wanted him by my side because it was tough for me and he understood trauma on every level. He was with me in the run up to the Spice Girls tour, too.’

The singer added that she struggles with the idea that he didn’t call her to ask for help but she thinks maybe his pride got in the way.

Turned away: Just days before he was discovered the former Marine had sought help from two medical centres for his PTSD, however they both reportedly turned him down

Following his time in the forces, Ash began a fitness training company and worked as a bodyguard and security consultant in ierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

A Just Giving page was set up to cover costs for his funeral with a goal of £2,000, however the page has now raised more than £17,000.   

Ash’s death brings the number of current and former servicemen and women believed to have taken their lives this year to 68. A further 88 are believed to have taken their lives last year.

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details

Mel told the Mirror : ‘[It was] a damming indictment of the lack of help for those suffering PTSD who are in such desperate need’