Gemma Williams |
Ray Gravell would nervously sing before matches |
There do not seem enough words to sum up the larger-than-life Ray Gravell.
Tributes have been pouring in for the Llanelli, Wales and British Lion centre after he died of a suspected heart attack at the age of
At the centre of them all is the overriding sentiment that Gravell was simply unique.
As his former Lions team-mate and Wales captain Gareth Davies put it: "His personality and character were one in a generation characteristics."
The poignant irony, however, is that Gravell himself is not here to see how much he was loved, admired and respected.
Anxieties
For he was a man whose giant stature and prowess on the rugby pitch were underpinned by a deep-seated insecurity.
As a child, his father committed suicide and a young Gravell found his body - a moment that is sure to have contributed to his anxieties in later life.
Friends and former team-mates recall that he was always seeking reassurances about himself and his ability on th
Ray Gravell: Daughter tells of 10 years without dad
BBC Wales News
For decades, the Wales and Lions centre had captivated the public, first in his antics on the field, and later as an exuberant broadcaster in both Welsh and English.
His genial nature, unfailing patriotism and catchphrase "tip top" cemented him firmly into Welsh culture.
And when news of his untimely death broke, tributes rang out from across the world, praising his strength, bravery and dignity both on and off the pitch.
Yet, despite a nation's sadness, it was his wife Mari, and daughters, Manon and Gwenan who undoubtedly suffered most.
For his girls - then aged just 12 and nine respectively - losing their dad, while on a family holiday to Calpe, on Spain's east coast - was indescribably painful.
Recalling that period a decade on, Manon, 22, said: "It was such an awful and lonely time.
"There was no way to deal with such loss. I was angry and emotional and didn't know what feeling was normal.
"My sister too didn't know how to feel or act. None of us did.
"I responded by trying to take on the
Ray Gravell: Daughter tells of 10 years without dad
For Manon, Project 13 is a passion, which she does on top of her busy day job as a paediatric nurse in Cardiff.
It is also very successful - getting 75, hits in the first year alone.
She said: "It's so important that other children get the support I didn't.
"In my day job, I see lots of mental health issues affecting children. Grief, loss, loneliness and depression are massive problems.
"It's great people like Prince William and Harry are talking more about it, but there is a long way to go."
For Manon herself, dealing with her own grief throughout the past decade has not been easy.
She said: "Obviously, the first years were very difficult, but about six years after dad's death, I went through a period of being in a very low mood.
"I wouldn't say it was a mental breakdown or any illness that could be diagnosed.
"I think I was just beginning to realise the milestones he would miss, me and my sister graduating from school and university or getting married."
Now though, on the tenth anniversary of her father's death, Manon is in a better place.
PRESS RELEASES BY DATE :
Press |
Rugby legend and BBC Wales presenter Ray Gravell has died suddenly at the age of 56 whilst on holiday with his family in Spain.
Ray made a remarkable recovery following the partial amputation of his right leg earlier in the year but it is believed that he suffered a heart attack on Wednesday (31 October ).
He leaves his wife Mari and daughters Manon and Gwenan.
Menna Richards, Controller of BBC Wales, said: "There's no-one in BBC Wales, and probably no-one throughout the nation, who won't take the news of Ray Gravell's death as a personal bereavement.
"Ray was one of BBC Wales' best-loved broadcasters on
BBC Radio Cymru, BBC Radio Wales and on television as a rugby commentator and pundit.
"His exuberance, enthusiasm, his honesty and entire lack of pretension captivated everyone who knew him. Those were some of the qualities that made Grav a popular broadcaster and a life-enhancing companion for those who worked with him.
"His courage and commitment were admired wherever rugby is played, but those qualities were even more striking in the recent testing months of illness.
"It is an exceptional tr
Biographies you may also like
Saint raymond nonnatus biography of martin Raymond became a priest due to his quiet persistence in prayer and study. He was born to a noble Spanish family in His mother died during child birth and his father .
Net worth of narayana murthy daughter Akshata Murty is the daughter of N. R. Narayana Murthy, the co-founder of the Indian multinational IT company Infosys, and Sudha Murty. Akshata holds a percent .
Saint pedro calungsod prayer quotes San Pedro Calungsod student, catechist, young migrant, missionary, faithful friend, martyr, you inspire us by your fidelity in time of adversity; by your courage in teaching the Faith in the .
Violet kray biography of mahatma VIOLET Lee Kray was the mother of some of the most notorious criminals in British history. The mother of twins Ronnie and Reggie, as well as their older brother Charlie, Missing: mahatma.
John owen dominos biography templates Writing a biography goes beyond compiling facts; it involves crafting a narrative that educates and inspires your readers. This guide provides you with practical steps, style advice, and, .
Pixley seme towards a biography of america The name Pixley ka (son of) Isaka Seme appears in general historical texts and histories of black politics as the founder of what became the African National Congress, and .
Farida jalal biography in hindi Farida Jalal - Biography In Hindi | फरीदा जलाल की जीवनी | Life Story - जीवन की कहानी =====#FaridaJalal #Biography #LifeStory #.