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Holidays for Heroes Jersey is raising money towards the funeral costs of a "great supporter" of the charity after he died "doing what he loved" in a high-speed motorcycle accident last month.
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 post-traumatic stress disorder via Holidays for Heroes Jersey.
Through Exforces PTSD, Martin was responsible for raising more than £35,000 and funded holidays to the island for around 30 veterans.
In recognition of this project, he was nominated for the Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain awards in 2018.
Following his death, Holidays for Heroes Jersey paid tribute to Martin’s work, describing him as an "exceptional friend".
Pictured: Martin McConnell died after crashing at a car and motorcycle event in Norfolk where riders attempt to reach 200mph. (Kryssie Chittenden)
"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."
Posting the link to the fundraiser on Facebook, Holidays for Heroes Jersey chairman Richard Harwood said: "In tribute to the great man that was Martin McConnell, Holidays for Heroes Jersey has joined with bikers from both Jersey and Guernsey to set up a JustGiving page to assist Martin's family with funeral costs.
"Martin gave his time and energy without any expectation of anything in return. Blessed are those who plant trees they will never sit under."
So far, the fundraiser has raised over £1,000 but remains short of its £5,000 target.
Pictured: The fundraiser has already surpassed the £1,000 mark.
As an avid motorcyclist, Mr McConnell 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, friend Dave Prevel said that Martin had "died doing what he loved".
Terminal Velocity, the organisers of the high-speed vehicle event where Martin died, have announced that they will not hold any further events following the motorcyclist’s death.
The group released a tribute to Martin on social media saying they were "absolutely devastated".
They added: "We would like to thank all of you who have participated in our events over the years, and always made them such great fun events, but the idea was always that it was enjoyable for all and that can no longer be the case for us."
You can donate to Martin's funeral costs via JustGiving HERE.
Pictured top: Martin McConnell in September 2020. (Becci Angelpaws Ellis)
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