Funeral held for Downton Help for Heroes founder Bryn Parry CBE
Hundreds packed into Salisbury Cathedral for the service
Help for Heroes founder Bryn Parry CBE has been remembered at his funeral in Salisbury Cathedral this afternoon (Wednesday 26th April).
The 65 year old from Downton passed away from pancreatic cancer earlier this month.
Hundreds have attended the service, with his coffin carried in by wounded and injured service personnel who've been supported by the charity he set up.
Friend, Father Roger Dawson paid tribute:
"We met first when I was a 20 year old young Platoon Commander in the Royal Green Jackets, and we've been friends ever since. When Bryn asked me to be the Chaplain, or Pedalling Padre, on the Help for Heroes Big Battlefield Bike Ride, he gave me strict instructions not to 'bang on about God', which was quite tricky, because that's what priests do!
"Help for Heroes made him famous, but it didn't make him Bryn. There was so much more to him than the charity founder, campaigner and fundraiser. He was a soldier, an artist, an inspiration, a husband, a father, a family man, and for so many of us, a friend."
Bryn's son Tom Parry gave a eulogy, in which he remembered a speech given by Prince William at the opening of the Headley Court rehabilitation centre:
"(His Royal Highness) said 'Here reigns courage, humour, compassion and above all, hope for the future'. While the Prince of Wales was alluding to the extraordinary spirit and indomitable nature of our soldiers, sailors and aviators, as well as the remarkable efforts of all those involved in Help for Heroes at the time, I could not think of a better quote which encapsulates both his nature and his character.
"Dad was courageous, humorous and compassionate. Although later in this speech, Prince William did call him 'mad', 'John Cleese like' and 'quirky', but we'll gloss over that!"
Bryn is survived by his wife of 42 years, Emma, and their children Sophie, Tom and Louisa.
Help for Heroes, which launched in 2007, has supported 27,000 veterans and their families.
In their own tribute, the charity said:
"Without Bryn, this charity wouldn't be here. Bryn was instrumental in changing the focus of the nation and the way we regard both military service and wounded veterans.
"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."