Hero of the month...Major Leo Stanton 1966 - 2007
Once a year in November the whole world comes together to remember our fallen heroes, however at Scotty’s Little Soldiers we know that for families who have experienced the death of someone who served in the Armed Forces, Remembrance Day is every day.
Every one of our members has experienced the loss of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces, and we believe their lives and sacrifice should always be remembered. In our hero of the month posts we celebrate the lives of our members’ fallen heroes every month of the year.
This month we honour Major Leo Stanton, who died in August 2007, aged 41. A devoted husband, father, traveller and sportsman, Leo died in Hammersmith Hospital, after an arduous 17-year fight against his damaged immune system stemming from his service in the Gulf War, leaving behind his wife Carol and young son Baxter.
Following a period in the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) at school, Leo was inspired to follow a career in the Armed Forces, and an army scholarship led him to Sandhurst to complete his officer training. Immediately after Sandhurst, Leo joined the Corps of Royal Engineers, which led to postings across the UK, Kenya, Canada and Germany and operational deployment to the Gulf in 1990-91.
Just months prior to being promoted to Colonel, Leo’s fight against his damaged immune system came to an end, leaving behind his son Baxter, who was just 17-months old at the time.
Leo’s wife Carol, who he met at a wedding in 1986, describes her husband:
“Leo had such an easy manner and charm, and his ready-to-go smile was always on offer to anyone around him. He always had high personal standards for himself and made sure he never settled for anything other than excellence in whatever he turned his hand to.”
A lover of travel, sport and music, Leo always found something to occupy himself with.
Carol said: “Leo loved making memories and was always keeping active, if he wasn’t windsurfing or playing squash, then you could find him restoring his beloved car or listening to his favourite music. He was so jealous when I got to see Pink Floyd at Live 8 in 2005, but it turned out to be a great day for him also, after discovering I was pregnant the very same day, having waited so many years. Our son really was a miracle. We thought we were going to get our Hollywood ending after everything that had gone on before.”
A real family man, Leo doted on his newborn son, Baxter.
Carol recalled: “Leo absolutely loved children, so it was no surprise that he was a natural father when our son came along. He was a real hands-on dad and did his fair share of the nappy changes and pick-ups from nursery. When we went to choose a buggy for Baxter, he test drove them all like he was choosing a car.
“It’s upsetting knowing that Leo has missed out on watching Baxter grow up, I know that he would have been incredibly involved in his life and they would have loved playing sport together. Despite only knowing his father for a year, Baxter possesses many of his dad's qualities, playing the same position in rugby, excelling at cross-country, having a radiant smile and never giving up.”
A keen sportsman, Leo kept up his hobbies until the very end. Carol explained: “It’s a testament to Leo’s resilience that he completed his MBA and Ski Instructor Course whilst seriously ill. Likewise, he was also training to run the 2007 London Marathon which he unfortunately never got to complete.
“His greatest achievement was to inspire others and to maintain his fighting spirit until the very end without a shred of bitterness.”
At the time of his death Baxter was just 17-months old and was too young to understand what had happened to his dad. Carol has always been open and honest with Baxter, who is now 14, and often discusses Leo’s life.
Leo died in Hammersmith Hospital, London, in August 2007 after his 17-year battle. Carol discussed Leo’s time practically living in hospital: “The doctors and nurses held Leo in the highest regard, which is great testament to his strength and positivity. Throughout his time in and out of hospital Leo maintained his fighting spirit but also his polite demeanour throughout the gruelling treatment.”
Nothing would please Leo quite like a track day, testing the limits of whichever car was currently in favour. He would therefore find it quite amusing that Carol, in dashing to Hammersmith Hospital to be with him at the end, managed to get a speeding ticket.
Baxter joined Scotty’s Little Soldiers in December 2013 and has found great comfort in the charity. Carol explained: “I can’t thank Scotty’s enough for the support and kindness they’ve shown both Baxter and I. Scotty’s is brilliant at knowing exactly what will help, with special touches such as cards and gifts at poignant times of the year, personal development grants, and respite breaks at the brilliant Scotty Lodges.”
Keen to give back, Baxter has helped raise money for Scotty’s, completing mud runs and cake sales, which he is keen to continue as he gets older.
Carol continued: “It helps Baxter knowing that he is not alone in losing his father, and it’s wonderful to connect with other parents, from all areas of the Armed Forces, who understand exactly what we’re both going through. Scotty’s is such a supportive community, and for that I’m very grateful.”
