Tributes paid to "exceptional friend" who raised over £35k for local charity

Tuesday 25 July 2023

Tributes have been paid to a "great supporter" of local charity Holidays for Heroes after he passed away "doing what he loved" in a motorcycle crash in Norfolk this weekend.

Royal Corps of Transport veteran Martin McConnell founded the Exforces PTSD group in 2015.

The group funds holidays for ex-Armed Forces members who suffer from PTSD via local charity Holidays for Heroes Jersey.

Through Exforces PTSD, Martin was responsible for raising more than £35,000 and funded holidays to Jersey for around 30 veterans.

The group has also helped to fund a number of other projects for veterans, including specialist needs chairs and funeral costs.

Pictured: The local charity paid tribute to Martin on social media.

Following his tragic death, Holidays for Heroes Jersey paid tribute to Martin's work.

"Martin was an exceptional friend to the charity who despite everything he had endured himself, continually strove to help others suffering from PTSD," the charity said.

"His value was immeasurable as an example of moving forward despite his injuries and helping others recover."

One of the veterans who benefitted from Martin's fundraising described his death as "very sad news".

He said: "I never met Martin but benefited from a Holiday for Heroes trip. Me and my wife met other fantastic veterans which would not of happened without the likes of Martin’s support for the charity."

Pictured: Martin used his love of high-speed motorbike racing to raise funds and awareness for veterans suffering from PTSD. (Kryssie Chittenden)

As an avid motorcyclist, Martin was often involved in high-speed racing events to raise awareness and money for veterans suffering from PTSD.

In a post on the Guernsey Bikers Facebook group, Martin's friend Dave Prevel said that Martin "died doing what he loved".

Another member of the biking community described Martin as "a great guy who always had time for a chat and a smile for everyone", whilst another added: "He did so much good for families of veterans and will be sadly missed."

Martin's friend said: "There are no words for the loss of this kind and generous man who spent half his adult life fundraising for PTSD veterans and many other people who were in need of help."

Pictured top: Martin McConnell in September 2020. (Becci Angelpaws Ellis)