Tina Malone has shared a heartbreaking message on what would have been her beloved husband's 42nd birthday.
The Shameless star, 61, lost Paul Chase in March after revealing the army veteran tragically took his own life after being diagnosed with PTSD. Taking to X today, paying tribute to the father of her daughter, Flame, she wrote: "Today my husband Paul is 42. He left our home eleven weeks ago today and never came back. The pain and sorrow we feel is overwhelming. Flame is bringing you a ribeye, olives and a peroni today, now at peace my hero, my world x."
Her poignant post was met with well wishes from her followers as one replied:" Sending love, thoughts and prayers to you all during this sad time". Meanwhile, another shared: "Happy Heavenly Birthday to your wonderful husband who should still be here to celebrate with you."
Tina revealed that PTSD drove Paul to suicide earlier this yer as she spoke of the charity she is launching in his name. In the 12 months before his death, Paul's mental health had plummeted, according to the actress, who said: “I’ve not spoken about this publicly until this minute. It’s the first time I’ve said it and confirmed it. Paul did commit suicide. I believe in transparency," reports the Daily Mail.
Tina, who found fame as Mo McGee in Channel 4’s Brookside and then as Mimi Maguire in Shameless, added: “I’ll never get over it. I miss him so badly and I love him so much. One thing I know… he’s in a better place than here.”
Tina Malone, 60, says she looks 40 after quitting booze and losing 12 stoneA former member of the 22nd Regiment of the Cheshires, Paul’s service included Northern Ireland, Belize, Iraq, Afghanistan and the Falklands. Nicknamed “Chevy” by Army pals thanks to his surname Chase, he served his country for a decade. However, when police knocked on the door of the Liverpool home he shared with Tina, the actress said she “just knew” he had taken his own life. She revealed: “Paul hadn’t come home the previous night. I heard sirens, saw flashing blue lights, and I knew."
Paul’s PTSD was diagnosed three years ago. On May 28, his birthday, Tina said she will launch a foundation called Paul’s Flame, to help those in crisis. She shared: “When he got drunk he’d ramble about the army and I’d tell him, ‘You have depression, you have emotional issues because of what you’ve seen’. But he’d sweep it away. He’d say, ‘How will I get a job if I have that?’ He admitted it in the end but by then things had gone too far.
“This is a man who served his country. The only way I can get through is by fighting for change, addressing the issues facing veterans and soldiers, trying to help others.”
*If you're struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch