THE FAMILY of a Newport soldier who died from injuries sustained in Afghanistan are making a final appeal for help to raise funds in his memory.

The Argus reported in May how the family of Sapper Connor Ray set up the Connor Ray appeal with the aim of raising £5,000 for Help for Heroes.

Sapper Ray died on April 18 this year from injuries sustained in a blast in Afghanistan.

The funds raised through the appeal currently stands at £4,267.50 leading to his family including stepdad Steve Reeves and Mr Reeves' partner Louise Carey making one last bid to the public to help them reach the target.

Ms Carey said: "People's generosity has been amazing.

"Reaching the target is never going to bring Connor back but it will help others and will help those soldiers that come back alive but injured."

The money has been raised through donations at the funeral as well as through collection tins placed in local shops, schools and offices.

Sapper 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 a week later.

Ms Carey said: "Family events especially like birthdays bring it all back. It makes it more poignant that he's not here to share it. Each and every day we miss him more and more.

"Sometimes we still think he's going to come back. They say time's a healer but at the moment it's still very raw."

Sapper Ray leaves behind brother Vinnie, sisters Hollie and Bonnie and girlfriend, Hollie.

His late mum Tina Fitzgerald was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer shortly after he joined the army and died before his passing out parade.

To donate to the appeal visit www.bmycharity.com/ConnorRay