British father dies fighting in Ukraine against Russia as family pays tribute to 'hero'

Simon Lingard's family remember him as a "real life hero who died fighting for what he believed in", claiming that he was an "inspiration" to all who knew him

Simon Lingard died while fighting in Ukraine

A British father and former special forces soldier died fighting against Russia on the Ukrainian frontline.

Afghan War veteran Simon Lingard, nicknamed "Grimmy" by his friends, was killed on Monday, his family confirmed.

The father-of-two was a former member of the Special Forces Support Group and previously served with the Parachute Regiment's 2nd Battalion.

He is believed to have spent months at the front fighting alongside Ukrainian troops after the Russian invasion began on February 24.

One of the ex-soldier's two children revealed he was killed in action in Ukraine and urged his friends to donate money to help with funeral costs.

One of his children wrote: "As most people know, my father Simon Lingard, (Grimmy) sadly lost his life in Ukraine on Monday November 7th.

Birds fly over a damaged building in the Kherson region earlier this month (

Picture:

AFP via Getty Images)

“My father was an inspiration to all who knew him, a true hero who died fighting for what he believed in.

"He was loved and adored by so many, a true representation of what a soldier should be. Keane and I are heartbroken

"The Ukrainian military have offered to bring him home to England, but we need your help to show him the respect and adoration he deserves by giving him the biggest and most well-deserved farewell.< /p>

“Could you all please find the courage in your hearts to make a donation, no matter how small, so that we can honor our father and allow him to finally rest in peace.”< /p>

Simon 'Grimmy' Lingard's page has raised over £6,000 just four hours after it was created on Wednesday afternoon.