Iraq War Vet Dies In Charity Race

An Iraq War veteran has died following a freak accident during a charity soapbox race.

Francis 'Titch' O'Sullivan suffered severe head injuries after his homemade Spitfire-inspired cart flipped during a race in Kent on New Year's day.

The 52-year-old was airlifted to a specialist unit at Kings College Hospital but died on Tuesday.

Mr O'Sullivan, who reportedly served as a tank driver with Prince Harry's former regiment the Blues and Royals during the first Gulf War, was one of three people dressed as RAF pilots wearing leather jackets, goggles and scarves on board the cart.

An eyewitness told KentOnline:

"The three RAF guys were going a lot quicker than the pram in front of them. As soon as I saw them coming at that speed I thought there was going to be a crash, but I didn't think it was going to be that bad."

The war veteran's sister, Jeanette O'Sullivan, paid tribute to him on Facebook:

"My beautiful brother tragic accident whilst competing in the Sutton Valence pram race. Love you always and forever in our thoughts a great Brother Dad and Uncle. May you sleep tight and smile down on us. Sweet dreams. Love you for ever your family xx"

A spokesperson for Kent Police said: 

"Kent Police was called to High Street, Sutton Valence, at 12.33pm on 1 January 2017 after a man fell from a pram during an organised event.

"The 52-year-old suffered a serious head injury and was airlifted to a London hospital. He later died at hospital at around 1am on 3 January. Next of kin are aware.

"Officers have carried out inquiries into the incident and there are no suspicious circumstances."

Cover Image: Francis O'Sullivan (middle). Courtesy: SWNS