Cullompton Operation Braveheart founder David Godfrey at charity rugby match

SERVICEMEN and sportsmen were brought together at the weekend in memory of a fallen Devon soldier.

Soldiers were pitted against Mid Devon rugby players in a friendly clash to support military welfare organisation Operation Braveheart

David Godfrey organised a rugby match between Tiverton Rugby Club and soldiers from the 1st Rifles, in memory of his grandson, Rifleman Daniel Coffey, who died in Iraq
David Godfrey organised a rugby match between Tiverton Rugby Club and soldiers from the 1st Rifles, in memory of his grandson, Rifleman Daniel Coffey, inset, who died in Iraq GARETH WILLIAMS EE050909_GW03_01

The charity was set up by David Godfrey, of New Street, Cullompton, after his 21-year-old grandson Daniel Coffey was killed in Iraq.

Soldiers from the 1st Rifles — the first regiment Daniel served with in his military career — played against Tiverton Rugby Club at their Bolham Road ground to raise funds for wounded soldiers and their families.

Despite rain and cold temperatures, scores of people turned out to watch the game.

The Rifles have just returned from serving in Afghanistan and many had travelled from around the country to be a part of the charity match.

Mr Godfrey, 63, told the Echo: “The rugby match was a very special occasion as the servicemen who took part are from the regiment that my grandson Daniel first served with.

“Many of them travelled to be at the game as they had heard all about it and wanted to come along and be part of it.

“They are proud to be a part of Operation Braveheart.”

He added: “The match was in memory of Daniel but also for all of our servicemen and women.

“It was hard to keep a dry eye during the event as it was so moving to see all these people come together to support our soldiers.

“The job that they do is always on my mind, particularly with what is happening in Afghanistan at the moment. So many of our servicemen are being brought home badly injured — it’s a great tragedy of huge proportions.”

As well as the rugby game, which the team from the Rifles won by 33 points to 22, there was also a barbecue and music.

Rifleman Daniel Coffey, from Exeter, died from a bullet wound to the head when he was shot while on patrol in Iraq in February, 2007.

Since his death, Mr Godfrey has raised funds tirelessly for wounded soldiers and their families.

The match, which took place on Saturday afternoon, was a free event with funds being raised from bucket collections during the day. Money raised goes to the British Legion Army Benevolent Fund and Combat Stress, among others.