AN SAS veteran who helped bring to an end the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege has died after struggling to come to terms with the death of his son.
John McAleese, 60, who was from Laurieston in Falkirk, is suspected to have suffered a heart attack while on holiday in Greece.
Hundreds of tributes have been paid to the ex-serviceman, who was left devastated when his son Paul, 29, was killed by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan two years ago.
His daughter Hayley, 28, yesterday claimed that the stress of her brother’s death may have contributed to her father’s suspected heart problems and death on Friday in Thessaloniki.
She said: “I am sure the grief and stress he had suffered had a bearing on what has happened.
“He is now reunited with his son. Two great heroes taking their place in heaven.”
Miss McAleese also announced she plans to trek the Great Wall of China to raise money for the service personnel charity Help for Heroes.
She revealed the plans on Twitter, saying: “I am now dedicating my China trek to the memory of my brother and now my father. Two hero McAleese men reunited in heaven.”
One anonymous donor, who gave £1000 to Miss McAleese’s Virgin Money Giving account, said: “Hayley, good luck in what is a fantastic cause. Proud to have served with Paul and had the utmost pleasure of meeting your dad.
“Greatest respect to all the lions above and to those who continue to serve our country.”
The Ministry of Defence also paid tribute to Mr McAleese Snr and his extensive military career.
A spokesman said: “We are aware of the death of John McAleese, a hero who served his country bravely and professionally in a military career that spanned many years.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”
On May 5, 1980, six Iranians stormed the Iranian Embassy in London and took 26 people hostage.
They demanded the release of 91 political prisoners held in Iran, as well as an aircraft to take them and the hostages out of the country.
After a tense six-day siege, the country watched as Mr McAleese and his team stormed the embassy and brought the stand- off to an end in just 15 minutes.
Floods of online tributes have been paid to the former soldier, who was known as “Big Mac”, both by people who knew him and others looking to show their appreciation for his service to the country.
One tribute read: “Rest in peace John. Another soldier reporting for duty at the gates of St Peter. At least now he can be with his son Paul. True Scotsman. True soldier and a true legend of a man.”
Another said: “The real deal, thank you for your service, ordinary people do appreciate it. He never got over losing his son. RIP Big Mac.”
Paul McAleese, who was a member of 2nd Battalion The Rifles, died trying to save a fatally injured comrade, leaving behind his widow, Jo, and baby son Charley, who was born a week before he was deployed to Afghanistan.
During his funeral service, an army colleague said: “Mac was destined to serve in the SAS, it was in his blood.
“He was proud of everything his father had achieved and he wanted to follow in his footsteps.”
A Foreign Office spokesman confirmed the death of Mr McAleese Snr and said that assistance is now being provided to his next of kin.
The former soldier is expected to be buried alongside SAS colleagues after a military funeral in Hereford, near the regiment’s headquarters.
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