TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘great supporter’ of the charity Holidays for Heroes Jersey who raised thousands of pounds for the organisation, after he died following a motorcycle crash in Norfolk.
Royal Corps of Transport veteran Martin McConnell, a UK resident, founded the Exforces PTSD group in 2015. In recognition of this project he was nominated for the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain awards in 2018.
The group funds holidays for ex-armed forces members who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder via Holidays for Heroes Jersey.
Through Exforces PTSD, Mr McConnell was responsible for raising more than £35,000 and funded holidays to the Island for about 30 veterans.
The group has also helped to fund a number of other projects for veterans, including specialist-needs chairs and funeral costs.
Following his death, Holidays for Heroes Jersey paid tribute to Mr McConnell’s work.
‘Martin was an exceptional friend to the charity who, despite everything he had endured himself, continually strove to help others suffering from PTSD,’ the charity said.
‘His value was immeasurable as an example of moving forward, despite his injuries, and helping others recover.’
One of the veterans who benefited from Mr McConnell’s fundraising described his death as ‘very sad news’.
He said: ‘I never met Martin, but benefited from a Holiday for Heroes trip. Me and my wife met other fantastic veterans which would not have happened without the likes of Martin’s support for the charity.’
As an avid motorcyclist, Mr McConnell was often involved in high-speed racing events to raise awareness and money for veterans suffering from PTSD.
In a post on the Guernsey Bikers Facebook group, Dave Prevel, a friend, said that Mr McConnell had ‘died doing what he loved’.
Another member of the biking community described Mr McConnell as ‘a great guy who always had time for a chat and a smile for everyone’, while another added: ‘He did so much good for families of veterans and will be sadly missed.’
Friend Becci Ellis said: ‘There are no words for the loss of this kind and generous man, who spent half his adult life fundraising for PTSD veterans and many other people who were in need of help.’
Terminal Velocity, the organisers of the high-speed vehicle event where Mr McConnell died, have announced that they will not hold any further events following the motorcyclist’s death.
The group released a tribute to Mr McConnell on social media saying they were ‘absolutely devastated’.
They added: ‘We would like to thank all of you who have participated in our events over the years, and always made them such great fun events, but the idea was always that it was enjoyable for all and that can no longer be the case for us.’
