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24 September 2014
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Ray Gravell

Tributes paid to Ray Gravell



Rugby legend and 大象传媒 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 2007).

He leaves his wife Mari and daughters Manon and Gwenan.

Menna Richards, Controller of 大象传媒 Wales, said: "There's no-one in 大象传媒 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 大象传媒 Wales' best-loved broadcasters on
大象传媒 Radio Cymru, 大象传媒 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 tribute to this remarkable man that no-one recalls him saying a bad word about anyone, nor heard anyone say a bad word about him

"He was a warm and dear man and we shall miss him terribly. Our profound sympathies are with Mari, Manon and Gwenan."

Nigel Walker, Head of Sport, 大象传媒 Wales, paid tribute to his friend and colleague.

He said: "A more genuine, caring, loving and passionate man you could not wish to meet and it was typical of him that he used the misfortune of losing his lower leg to comfort and inspire others similarly affected.

"This act of selflessness was not a one-off act but epitomises the way Ray lived his entire life. I, and many others, will miss Ray's hug, smile and warmth."

Si芒n Gwynedd, Editor, Radio Cymru, said: "Grav was a truly unique personality and he was always full of energy and warmth. His closeness to people and his infectious enthusiasm made him an extremely special presenter.

"'West is best' was one of his favourite sayings and the audience in the west was always very close to his heart.

"It was a real pleasure having Grav as part of the Radio Cymru presenting team and his colleagues felt privileged to work along side him.

"He was an inspiration to us all and he will be greatly missed."

Tributes have been paid to Ray Gravell throughout the day on 大象传媒 Wales services and viewers are invited to post their own tributes on bbc.co.uk/walessport and on the Welsh language bbc.co.uk/chwaraeon.

The following programmes will be broadcast in memory of the legend from his hometown of Mynydd-y-Garreg:

Sport Wales, Thursday 1 November, 大象传媒 Two Wales/2W, 10pm; repeat, Friday 2 November, 大象传媒 2W, 9pm

Scrum V, Sunday 4 November, 大象传媒 Two Wales, 6.10pm

Notes to Editors

At the family's request, please contact the 大象传媒 Wales Press Office with any queries. We trust that you will respect their privacy during this difficult time.

Ray Gravell biography

Ray Gravell was a regular commentator and pundit on 大象传媒 Wales radio and television programmes and presented Grav, his 大象传媒 Radio Cymru programme, to the west Wales opt out.

He played for Llanelli between 1969 and 1985 and captained the rugby team between 1980 and 1982. He won 23 caps for Wales and was a member of the team who beat the All Blacks in 1972. He was also a member of the British Lions team in 1980, captained by Bill Beaumont.

Ray starred in many TV dramas including the leading role in the 大象传媒 Wales film for S4C, Bonner.听 He also appeared in Filipina Dreamgirls and the big screen adaptation of Dylan Thomas's Rebecca's Daughters, which starred Peter O'Toole. He played chauffeur to Jeremy Irons in Damage and he was the doctor in 大象传媒 Wales' hard-hitting drama Streetlife.

大象传媒 Wales Press Office

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Category: Wales
Date: 01.11.2007
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