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Falklands War veteran Denzil Connick has passed away aged 66, three months after receiving the British Empire Medal.

In a post on social media, the family of Mr Connick, from Blackwood, announced he had died peacefully on Sunday September 3 after a short battle with cancer.

A tribute from Mr Connick’s wife, Theresa Connick, said: “Dear all, it is with great sadness that we must inform you that Denzil passed away on the September 3 after a short but well-fought battle with cancer.

“Myself and our two sons were with Denzil and can say he passed peacefully with no pain.

“We will keep this page open and in due course will post details of Denzil’s funeral and celebration of his life.

“Please use this post to share memories and talk about Denzil – I will no doubt enjoy reading them when I can.”

Mr Connick served in the 1982 conflict with the Parachute Regiment, where he was seriously injured by an enemy shell on Mount Longdon.

He lost his left leg above the knee and his right leg was severely damaged.

As a result, Mr Connick was medically discharged from the Army in 1984, but remained determined to devote his life to supporting his fellow veterans.

He co-founded the South Atlantic Medal Association (SAMA) 82, which was established as a charity in 1997 and became the association’s first secretary, as well as a trustee responsible for its activities – a role he held for a decade.

During that time, the association grew to include more than 3,000 members.

After retiring as a trustee, Mr Connick was elected to become one if its vice presidents for life, and he was regularly called upon by the association’s trustees for advice and guest speaking.

As well as this, Mr Connick also volunteered as a caseworker for the SSAFA Armed Forces charity, something he had done since 1994.

For his efforts, Mr Connick was honoured in King Charles III’s first-ever Birthday Honours list, where he received the British Empire Medal in June 2023.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer shortly after receiving the award, he said: “It feels great. It’s so lovely to be officially recognised.

“It came out of the blue, I’ve been doing this for many years. It’s humbling.”

Speaking about why he had chosen to dedicate his life to helping others, he said: “I was wounded in the war and needed help as a result of my physical and mental injuries.

“It gives you greater empathy when you’ve suffered in the same way. I thought it was necessary to help.”