THE family of a Newport soldier who died from injuries sustained in a blast in Afghanistan have launched an appeal raising money for Help for Heroes in his memory.

Sapper Connor Ray, of 33 Engineer Regiment (Explosive Ordnance Disposal), was involved in a search and clearance operation in the Nad ‘Ali district of Helmand province on April 11 – the day before his 21st birthday – when he was seriously injured in an IED explosion.

He was evacuated to Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, but died from his injuries on April 18.

The family launched the Connor Ray Appeal to raise money for Help for Heroes in memory of Sapper Ray.

His family have requested that donations are made to the appeal in lieu of flowers at Sapper Ray’s funeral. In an extended tribute released yesterday, Sapper Ray’s family said they were “greatly overwhelmed” by the support they had received.

They said: “Connor was such a kind-hearted, goodnatured and amusing guy with a curious taste for 80s power ballads; he described himself as a warrior even though he was scared of spiders.

“Always in good spirits and often mischievous, he had a cheeky grin and an infectious giggle.”

Sapper Ray was born in Southampton and spent his early years in Bishopstoke, close to where his mother, Tina Fitzgerald, was raised.

The family moved to Newport in 2002 after his mother met her partner Steve Reeves.

Shortly after Sapper Ray joined the army, his mother was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer, and she died before his passing out parade. His family said: “She would have been very proud of him, knowing what a true gent and hero he turned out to be, as is the rest of his family.

“Connor was such a larger- than-life character.

“His life choice of joining the army built his confidence and enhanced his presence.

“This heart-breaking loss will leave a huge void in our lives.”

Sapper Ray leaves behind his stepdad, Steve, brother Vinnie, sisters Hollie and Bonnie and girlfriend, Hollie. The family thanked staff at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham and paid tribute to the Help for Heroes charity. Sapper Ray’s funeral, with full military honours, will be held at 2pm on Friday at Newport Cathedral.

So far a total of £1,756 has been donated to the appeal, which has a target of £5,000. To donate, visit www.bmycharity.com/ConnorRay

EDITORIAL COMMENT: A worthy tribute

WE FULLY support the campaign launched by the family of Sapper Connor Ray to raise money in his memory. Sapper Ray died after suffering injuries in a blast in Afghanistan.

He had been involved in a search operation in Helmand when an IED exploded.

Now his family wants to do something in his honour and are looking to raise £5,000 for the Help the Heroes fund, money that will be used to help soldiers badly injured in Afghanistan.

We know these are difficult financial times for everyone right now, however, we know how generous Argus readers can be.

If the majority of our readers gave just a few pence, the family would easily reach the target within days.

The Help for Heroes charity is one of the most deserving causes in the UK.

It has already helped countless soldiers and its work will ensure many more will get the help they need in the future.

Often soldiers can be forgotten when they return home despite having the most appalling of injuries.

Help for Heroes makes sure they get the very best care – care that is fitting for a hero. We couldn’t think of a better way of marking Sapper Ray’s life. It is a tremendous honour and one we are sure our readers would like to be part of.

You can find out more at www.bmycharity.com/ConnorRay