Help for Heroes founder Bryn Parry dies

Thursday, 13 April 2023 01:00

Bryn Parry, the founder of the Wiltshire-based charity Help for Heroes, passed away yesterday (12th April) at the age of 67 from pancreatic cancer.

Bryn and his wife Emma founded Help for Heroes in 2007 after learning about ex-servicemen's struggles accessing rehabilitation treatment.

Many have paid tribute to the former Royal Green Jacket and cartoonist, including members of the royal family and Salisbury MP John Glen.

Prince William tweeted via his and Kate's account: "Deeply sad to hear that Bryn Parry has passed away. A life-affirming, inspirational man, his work with @HelpforHeroes made a difference to so many and his legacy will be its continuing impact. My thoughts are with his family and friends. W."

John Glen said on Twitter: "My thoughts and prayers are with Bryn Parry’s family at this sad time. Bryn gave so much to Help for Heroes and made an enormous difference to so many veterans’ lives. Thank you Bryn"

Prince Harry released a statement via his Invictus Games Foundation: "Today is a truly sad day for the military community as we bid farewell to a man who, alongside his wife, completely transformed the UK charity sector for the benefit of those that have served.

"His vision, determination and brilliance provided a lifeline for thousands of veterans, as well as their families, when they needed it most."

When forming Help for Heroes, the aim was initially to raise £10,000 for wounded veterans through a charity bike ride, but the couple, through the charity, went on to raise hundreds of millions of pounds.

Help for Heroes chief executive James Needham said: "Without Bryn, this charity wouldn't be here. Without him, over 27,000 veterans and their families wouldn't have received life-changing support.

"Bryn was instrumental in changing the focus of the nation and the way we regard both military service and wounded veterans."

"Bryn's founding principles and his no-nonsense approach of doing everything humanly possible to help our heroes, remain at the heart of all we do."

Feature Image: Help for Heroes