Tribute paid to shooting star Richard 'Richie' Bray

Richard Bray, known as Richie, was born with Sacral Agenesis – a rare congenital disorder which occurs in one in 60,000 births – but that did not stop him creating a lasting legacy in the sport.

Tragically, Richie was recently diagnosed with cancer, and passed away last weekend aged 46.

Richie, who later moved to Wimborne, Dorset, had looked to compete in the Paralympic Games.

Richard Bray, known as Richie, has sadly died at the age of 46. Image: British Shooting.

Speaking in 2022, Richie said of how he became a shooting star: "When I was quite a lot younger, my cousin had an air rifle and he would plink at bottle tops in the back garden.

“And then throughout the years, I've had air rifles and now pistols and just played in the garden, we used to shoot in a friend’s farm, shooting up tin cans and stuff.

“And then 10 years ago, I couldn't really walk too well without crutches and a friend of mine said, why don't you just try joining a gun club?

“I thought, that doesn't really sound like it's for me, but I'll give it a go.

“I went down, it turned out I really enjoyed it, and before I knew it, I had won a few local club level trophies and medals and went along to a coaching course at Stoke Mandeville.

“Unbeknown to me, all my teammates were trying to talk down a coach at the time into watching me shooting.

“I didn't realise this and at the end of the day I ended up on the range shooting, I then got invited to an assessment day from there and then from that I was invited to join the Paralympic pathway.”

In a statement posted on Facebook, British Shooting said: "Richie was more than just a talented athlete; he was a passionate volunteer who devoted himself to leaving a lasting legacy in shooting.

"In 2022, Richie was selected for the British Shooting Rifle Development Academy South and, within a year, advanced to the prestigious Talent Academy. His dedication and growth earned him reselection for the 2024/25 Talent Academy, with an inspiring goal of representing GB at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.

"Beyond his athletic achievements, Richie’s passion for the sport was evident in his tireless volunteer work. Whether supporting British Shooting events, mentoring younger athletes, or promoting the #TargetChange campaign, Richie travelled all around the country, generously giving his time and energy to the community.

Richard Bray, known as Richie, has sadly died at the age of 46. Image: British Shooting.

"In recognition of his efforts as a Pathway athlete and beyond, he was named “Rifle Pathway Athlete of the Year 2023” at the British Shooting Awards.

"A qualified gunsmith, Richie was always willing to help his fellow athletes, offering his services free of charge.

"Richie’s competitive accomplishments were many. In 2023, he won Gold in the R3 event at the British Open Para Sport Championships in Swansea. The following year, he took home Gold in the R1 Aggregate and Silver in the R3 event, along with a Gold in the NSRA British Mixed 3P Championship.

"Outside of shooting, Richie was an adventurer at heart, embracing challenges like gliding and piloting. He aspired to become a rifle coach after his competitive career and completed the NSRA Range Conducting Officer and Club Instructor qualifications in 2023.

"Richie Bray will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to the sport he loved and the legacy he built within British Shooting. His impact reaches far beyond medals and titles; it lives on in the athletes he inspired, the community he uplifted, and the sport he sought to elevate.

"Richie was not only a dedicated athlete and a generous volunteer but also a cherished friend to so many.

"His loss is deeply felt, but his memory and legacy will continue in the hearts of all who knew him. Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this sad time."

Hundreds are expected to attend his funeral next month, with people asked not to give flowers, but instead to donate to the Pancreatic Cancer UK charity.