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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Abigail O'Leary

Harry and William issue heartfelt tributes to Help for Heroes founder Bryn Parry

The Prince of Wales and the Duke of Sussex have paid tributes to Bryn Parry, the "inspirational" co-founder of Help for Heroes, following his death on Wednesday.

The brothers both honoured Mr Parry's memory after he died aged 67 following his terminal pancreatic cancer diagnosis in January.

In a Twitter statement on Wednesday, the Prince of Wales wrote: "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."

The Duke of Sussex called Mr Parry's death a "truly sad day for the military community", according to the Invictus Games Foundation.

Harry founded the Invictus Games to aid the rehabilitation of injured or sick military personnel and veterans from across the globe by giving them the challenge of competing in sporting events similar to the Paralympics.

Bryn Parry has died following a battle with pancreatic cance (bryn_parry_studios / Instagram)
Bryn served in the Royal Green Jackets Army regiment before beginning a career as a cartoonist (bryn_parry_studios / Instagram)

A statement posted on the foundation's Twitter account attributed to the Duke, who is its patron, stated: "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 who have served.

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

"Those that come after him will always be better off because of his actions. Bryn Parry, we salute you! Thank you from all of us for the lives saved, the support given and the community inspired.

"Your legacy lives on through Help for Heroes. Our love and respect will remain with your family."

Mr Parry was one of the UK's best-known countryside cartoonists. He founded the charity, which supports veterans and their families in the UK, with his wife Emma in 2007.

James Needham, Help for Heroes chief executive, said: "Everyone at Help for Heroes is deeply saddened by the death of our co-founder Bryn Parry CBE.

The Princes issues heartfelt tributes following the sad announcement (In Pictures via Getty Images)

"Without Bryn, this charity wouldn't be here.

"Without him, over 27,000 veterans and their families wouldn't have received lifechanging support.

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

"Those who knew and worked with Bryn saw at his core an incredibly kind, earnest, and passionate soul, whose energy was contagious.

"Supported, encouraged and advised by Emma, he was unstinting in his total, unwavering commitment to making the lot of the wounded servicemen and women as good as it could be.

"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."

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