A 29-year-old army veteran died suddenly just before the New Year as his heartbroken family say the father-of-two was struggling with his mental health.
Former soldier Aron Jones, 29, from Rumney, Cardiff, died on Wednesday, December 30.
The father of two boys aged four and eight who served in the Army for ten years, was struggling with his mental health which had deteriorated in the past months according to his family.
Mr Jones served between 2008 and 2018 and travelled the country and the world during his career as a gunner in the Royal Artillery.
Former soldier Aron Jones, 29, died suddenly on Wednesday, December 30. Pictured with his mother Debbie Seward
He was stationed in Newcastle and spent a lot of his time in Germany and the USA.
His mother, Debbie Seward, who works for the NHS, said: ‘Aron is my son. He is not perfect but he is my son and I love him so much.
‘He is, however, a perfect dad to his two young boys. We all loved you but the demons would not let the love in. I am and will always be a proud mum.’
The 29-year-old who had six siblings has been described as a ‘wonderful grandson’ by his grandparents.
The father-of-two from Rumney, Cardiff, served in the Army for 10 years between 2008 and 2018
Family members have set up a fundraising page to help pay towards Mr Jones’ funeral and to support his young sons.
They also said that some money could go towards a permanent memorial to the popular dad, son, brother, and grandson.
More than £6,000 has already been raised, which has left the former soldier’s family ‘totally overwhelmed’.
His family said in a statement: ‘Our brother Aron battled mental health problems for a number of years. He served the country by being positioned in the Royal Artillery, which he and our family were proud that he was a part of.
‘He doted on his two sons and enjoyed taking them to the skate park.
‘He was a fun-loving dad who loved every minute of being with his two sons.
‘After leaving the Army his mental health deteriorated and got progressively worse.
‘With support from family members it was all too much and on December 30 he tragically lost his life to mental health.
‘As a family we are trying to raise funds to help with the funeral costs and it is very difficult during these times. Aron will always be remembered for his quirky personality, being family-orientated, and most of all for being a good dad.
‘If you could kindly donate it would help our family, especially in these unprecedented times. Thank you x.’
The family of the 29-year-old said his mental health had deteriorated in recent months. Pictured with his sister, Trina
Friends and former colleagues have paid tribute to Mr Jones.
One said: ‘I’m so sorry to hear about his passing. He was an excellent soldier, one of the best. He was reliable, extremely hard-working, and a lovely guy. RIP.’
Another wrote: ‘RIP Jonesy Bach. You’ll be missed by many and it was always a pleasure to work with you.’
One person simply said: ‘Once a gunner, always a gunner.’
For confidential support surrounding mental health the Samaritans can be contacted for free 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, on 116 123.