Fundraiser to celebrate soldier's life - and help others suffering with combat stress

A fundraiser is taking place to support people suffering from combat stress in memory of an Accrington soldier.

Duncan – DJ – Johnstone, from Huncoat, was just 38-years-old when he died at home in March 2021.

The father-of-three served with the Queen’s Lancashire Regiment after leaving St Christopher’s High School, and had completed tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

DJ had been traumatised after losing close friends in combat, suffered PTSD and took his life, an inquest had heard.

His father Duncan Senior has now joined up with volunteers at Bold Street Working Men’s Club who wanted to help others who may be going through similar experiences as his son.

The charity fundraiser will take place at the venue in Accrington on Saturday, July 13. The event will also celebrate the life of Duncan.

Dad Duncan said: “My son served nine years with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“He got sent to a war which wasn’t needed. Yet it has happened now so we all have got to deal with it but what I want to do is raise money for combat stress.

“So, we can help other people who are going through similar experiences in their life.”

Duncan said his son had professional help but this was stopped during Covid.
“If he had got the help he desperately needed and this had continued it would have been so much better for him.

“There may have been others who would have gone through this and they did not get the help they deserved.”

The charity event is open to all and donations have been flooding in from local businesses.

Money raised will go towards Combat Stress which provides support for veterans from every service and conflict, focusing on those with complex mental health issues resulting from their experiences during military service.

Duncan added: “I have to say local companies everyone from chippies to shops have been really generous. We have iPads and phones been donated and we are hoping the raffles raise a lot for the charity.

“I am grateful for everyone’s help and for supporting this worthy cause.”

You can find out more about the fundraiser at https://www.facebook.com/BoldStreetWMC/