A CHARITY set up in memory of an Abergavenny soldier has been praised for leaving a lasting legacy in its support of troops and their families.

Private Richard Hunt became the 200th British soldier to die in Afghanistan when his vehicle was caught in an explosion in Helmand Province in 2009.

In the wake of his death, his mother Hazel Hunt set up the Welsh Warrior Foundation in a bid to raise awareness and funds to support injured Welsh veterans and their families.

Father Mark Soady, who took over from Mrs Hunt as the charity’s chairman in 2013, said that the foundation had raised “hundreds of thousands of pounds” for various causes in eight years.

But with the majority of British troops withdrawn from Afghanistan, a decision was made to close the charity.

“We’ve moved into a quieter time, not necessarily a time of peace, and there was a feeling amongst trustees that things had to come to an end,” said Fr Mark.

“But the work started by Hazel is continuing to help those who lost loved ones and are affected by the war.”

During its time the charity frequently helped to raise funds for other charities including Veterans With Dogs.

Its remaining funds will be distributed out to various sources according to Fr Mark, who said it had been an “honour” to serve as the charity’s chairman and described Mrs Hunt as an “inspiration”.