The heartbroken ex-girlfriend of a homeless former soldier who died while sleeping rough in Edinburgh has paid emotional tribute to her ‘soulmate’.
Selina Robinson and Darren Greenfield enjoyed a whirlwind one-year romance living together in Brighton and Leeds, having met in 1997 while on a military tour of Bosnia.
Mr Greenfield, who died on December 17, 2017, had fallen on hard times after leaving the army in 1998. He became a regular outside of Edinburgh Waverley railway station where he begged for loose change in his military fatigues.
Selina Robinson, 44, the heartbroken ex-girlfriend of homeless former soldier Darren Greenfield, 47, who died while sleeping rough in Edinburgh, on December 17, 2017 had paid tribute to her ‘soulmate’ (pictured together on holiday in 1998, and sleeping rough 2017)
He was often seen holding a sign bearing his soldier number and a message that read: ‘Soldier in need, please help, thank you God bless.’
The ex-serviceman, who served with the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, died after being admitted to hospital, though the cause of death has not yet been released.
Now his devastated ex-girlfriend Ms Robinson has paid a heartbreaking tribute to tragic Darren as she shared holiday snaps during a romantic weekend break away.
The mother-of-two, 44, who now lives in Melbourne, Australia, met Darren when she was 21 and admitted to struggling to adapt to civilian life after being discharged herself (Ms Robinson: pictured left in 1995, and right in 2017)
During their relationship they became inseparable and ‘shared something rare and beautiful – unconditional love,’ she told The Sun.
‘Darren showed me how to love and be loved and we were soul mates,’ she said.
‘There is nothing I would not have done for this guy and I feel saddened it’s too late now. I wish I could have been there for him in the end,’ she added.
The mother-of-two, 44, who now lives in Melbourne, Australia, met Darren when she was 21 and admitted to struggling to adapt to civilian life after being discharged herself.
Expressing her sorrow on Facebook, she wrote: ‘Tribute to the most humble gent who touched the hearts of many. Till we meet again. You are loved and will never be alone. I have the most fondest memories to keep you alive. No more battles just be at peace my sweet x.’
The veteran is said to have rejected the offer of help from a number of charities.
Mr Greenfield, who died on December 17, 2017, had fallen on hard times after leaving the army in 1998. He became a regular outside of Edinburgh Waverley railway station where he begged for loose change in his military fatigues (the couple together on holiday in 1998)
He served with the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, the oldest tank unit in the world that is based in Tidworth in Wiltshire, from 1986 to 1990. He then served with the Royal Army Pay Corps from 1990 – 1992, and then the Adjutant General’s Corps from 1992 – 1998, when he left the Army
Mr Greenfield had served with the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, the oldest tank unit in the world that is based in Tidworth in Wiltshire, from 1986 to 1990.
He then served with the Royal Army Pay Corps from 1990 – 1992, and then the Adjutant General’s Corps from 1992 – 1998, when he left the Army.
The news of his death provoked fury among campaigners who called for more to be done to help veterans adapt to civilian life.
The news of his death provoked fury among campaigners who called for more to be done to help veterans adapt to civilian life. Military charities said at least 13,000 former soldiers are homeless – a record high
Military charities said at least 13,000 former soldiers are homeless – a record high.
Soon after Mr Greenfield’s death, Tommy Davidson, of Ancre Somme Association Scotland, which is dedicated to honouring Scots who have served in conflicts, said he came across Mr Greenfield while shopping six months ago.
He said: ‘I kneeled down beside him and asked him some questions, like had he eaten or had something to drink that day.
‘At that time he said he had something in the pipeline that he was just waiting on coming through.’
Expressing her sorrow on Facebook, she wrote: ‘Tribute to the most humble gent who touched the hearts of many. Till we meet again. You are loved and will never be alone. I have the most fondest memories to keep you alive. No more battles just be at peace my sweet x.’
Mr Davidson said he wants more to be done to help ex-soldiers sleeping rough, adding: ‘These people would have given their lives at one point when they were serving, so we should be able to help get them a home and career opportunities.
‘They are highly skilled people – there must be something we can do to help them get back on their feet.’
Dave Goldspink, who served with Mr Greenfield, wrote on Facebook: ‘He was a true gentleman and a fantastic soldier who went on to serve in the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment.
Before his death Mr Greenfield was often seen holding a sign bearing his soldier number and a message that read: ‘Soldier in need, please help, thank you God bless.’
‘I was shocked and dismayed to see this sad news about Darren’s passing. Again another proud squaddie dies on our streets. This Government should hang its head in shame.’
Homeless Kevin Murphy, 46, who was sitting on the Princes Street exit at Waverley Station last night, told MailOnline: ‘Dan used to sit here everyday eight till one. It was a busy patch.
‘Dan had it in the morning. He was one of the good guys. You could talk about anything with him.’
He added: ‘He didn’t talk about his [military] service. I only knew about it because he sat with his sign.
‘I was shocked when I found out what had happened as last time I saw him he looked healthy. But living on the street can hit you very hard.’