The family of Lee Foley, the 26-year-old male who sustained fatal injuries after being involved in a road traffic collision which occurred near to Church Street, on December 31st, have released the following tribute to him:
Lee was born and bred in Penydarren. He attended Gwaunfarren School, and Pen-Y-Dre High School, where he was a keen rugby player. He played rugby for Merthyr minis and juniors from the age of 6, until he was 15 years-old.
After leaving school he went to work at St Merryn Meat Ltd, where one of his workmates introduced him to kick boxing. In no time he was picked to fight for Wales in Greece in the World Championships, where he came 4th. We were so proud.
At 21, he wanted a challenge and joined the Royal Engineers. Again, he excelled and by the age of 23, he’d earned his first stripe to become a Lance Corporal.
He recently completed a six and a half month tour of Afghanistan, returning home to his family in March.
Lee was a very caring person who put other people’s needs before his own. He was a larger then life practical joker, with a cheeky grin, and he’ll be missed by all that knew him, especially by his sister Lyndsey and his parents Paul and Sian, who were often the butt of his pranks.
Lee’s partner, Amanda, also said: “All my life, I’ve waited to meet someone like Lee – the most beautiful, amazing, caring person in my life. Love you forever my gorgeous boy – millions, billions, and trillions. Xxx”
Lee’s parents request that only family flowers are sent to the funeral.
Donations in lieu may be made to the Help the Heroes Charity, care of Mike Foley and Sons Undertakers.
The incident happened at approximately 10:10pm at the junction of the Eastern by pass and Church Street.
Lee Foley was in collision with a black Vauxhall Astra estate taxi.
A police Family Liaison Officer is currently supporting Lee’s family.
Anyone who witnessed the collision or who saw the movements of either the taxi or the pedestrian (Lee) who had been in company with a female beforehand, are asked to contact the Roads Policing Unit on 101.
