Kentish Express Ashford & District
‘All who knew him will feel the loss’
War veteran and disability campaigner killed in car crash
Glowing tributes have been paid to a “charismatic” ex-servicemen, charity fundraiser and disability champion who died in a crash.
Much loved parish councillor and Gulf War veteran Paul Hardisty, 49, died when the car he was a passenger in hit a tree in Dane Street, Chilham, shortly after 3.30pm last Friday.
Mr Hardisty, who only moved to the village with his wife Melanie from Ashford three years ago, was killed instantly at the scene but a friend who was driving escaped with minor injuries.
In a tribute statement his shocked family said: “Paul was a larger than life character – actively supportive in the community, deeply loving of family and friends, charismatic and devoted. All those who knew him will feel the loss.”
Family and friends have paid tribute to a “charismatic” former soldier and disability campaigner who died after a crash.
Paul Hardisty, 49, was a passenger in a Renault Kadjar, which hit a tree in Dane Street, Chilham, off the A252, shortly after 3.30pm last Friday.
He was killed instantly at the scene but a friend who was driving escaped with minor injuries.
Mr Hardisty has been described as a larger-than-life character who was charismatic, devoted and dedicated to supporting the community.
He moved from Newtown in Ashford to Felborough Close in the village three years ago with his wife Melanie and served on the parish council.
His family released a statement saying: “Paul was tragically and shockingly taken from us on Friday, March 10, aged 49.
“Paul was a larger-than-life character – actively supportive in the community, deeply loving of family and friends, charismatic and devoted.
“All those who knew him will feel the loss.”
Mr Hardisty was a Gulf War veteran and army junior noncommissioned officer for 16 years.
He then worked as a police radio resourcer with Kent Police for nine years and was also a disability champion and veterans’ activist.
In 2012, he was chosen to carry the Paralympic torch flame for his campaign work for veterans, particularly disabled rights, pensions and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Mr Hardisty carried the torch through Aylesbury, on the approach to Stoke Mandeville.
He was a member of the Royal British Legion, a Scout leader and although he suffered with his own health conditions, volunteered for various charities. A message on the White Horse pub Facebook page said: “So sad to hear the tragic news that Paul Hardisty was killed in the recent road accident in Chilham. “Paul was a man of the community – selfless, always giving up his free time to help out with local projects. “Our thoughts are with his family at this time.” Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the collision. Anyone who has not yet spoken to officers is asked to call the serious collision investigation unit appeal line on 01622 798538 quoting reference 10-0911.
‘Paul was a man of the community’