Stephen Healey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Stephen Healey
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|---|---|
| Birth name | Stephen James Healey |
| Born | 19 September 1982 Cardiff, Wales, UK |
| Died | 26 May 2012 (aged 29) Nahri Saraj District, Helmand, Afghanistan |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
British Army |
| Years of service | 2007–2012 † |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | 1st Battalion, The Royal Welsh (Royal Welsh Fusiliers) |
| Battles/wars | War in Afghanistan |
| Awards | Mention in Despatches (September 2010) |
Captain Stephen James Healey (born September 19, 1982 – died May 26, 2012) was a brave British Army officer. He served with the 1st Battalion, The Royal Welsh regiment. Before joining the army, Stephen was a professional footballer for Swansea City.
He sadly passed away in Afghanistan on May 26, 2012. This happened when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device (IED) during a patrol in the Nahri Saraj District of Helmand province.
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Stephen Healey's Early Life
Stephen Healey was born in Cardiff, Wales, on September 19, 1982. From a young age, football was a huge part of his life. He dreamed of becoming a professional footballer. Even though his teachers wanted him to focus on school, he chose to follow his dream. He started his football journey with a two-year training program at Swansea City. This club is based in Swansea, Wales.
Stephen Healey's Football Career
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Stephen James Healey | ||
| Date of birth | 19 September 1982 | ||
| Place of birth | Cardiff, Wales | ||
| Date of death | 26 May 2012 (aged 29) | ||
| Place of death | Nahri Saraj District, Helmand, Afghanistan | ||
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||
| Playing position | Defender | ||
| Youth career | |||
| ?–2001 | Swansea City | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 2001–2002 | Swansea City | 0 | (0) |
| 2001–2002 | → Llanelli (loan) | 11 | (0) |
| 2002–2003 | Llanelli | 20 | (2) |
| 2003–2005 | Port Talbot Town | 18 | (0) |
| 2005–2006 | Cardiff Grange Harlequins | 1 | (0) |
| Bridgend Town | ? | (?) | |
| Goytre United | ? | (?) | |
| Barry Town | ? | (?) | |
| 2010–2012 | Garden Village | ? | (?) |
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After his training, Stephen signed a two-year professional contract with Swansea City. He played as a defender. He was a tall player, standing 6 feet 2 inches. He played for about three years, but then he got several injuries within six months.
In 2001, Stephen was expected to sign his first professional contract. He even played well in a friendly game against Haverfordwest County. Later, he was loaned to Llanelli, another Welsh football team. By May 2002, Swansea City decided to release Stephen and several other players. This was because the club needed to save money and wanted more experienced players.
Stephen Healey's University Studies
After leaving Swansea City, Stephen realized that a long career in football might not be possible due to his injuries. He decided to stop playing professionally and go back to school. He enrolled at Swansea University. Even though he didn't have the usual entry qualifications, the university accepted him. They recognized his experience as a footballer for a sports science degree.
While studying between 2002 and 2006, Stephen still played football. He played for semi-professional teams in the Welsh Premier League. These teams included Llanelli, Port Talbot Town, and Cardiff Grange Harlequins. He also played for Bridgend Town, Goytre United, and Barry Town.
Stephen Healey's Military Career
During his time at university, Stephen decided his new career would be in the British Army. After recovering from his sports injuries, he joined the Army in 2007. He chose to become an officer and attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in England. He picked the infantry because he wanted a challenge. He joined the Royal Welsh regiment because he was from Wales. He was based in his hometown of Cardiff.
First Tour in Afghanistan
In 2009, Stephen's battalion, the 1st Battalion of the Royal Welsh, was sent to Helmand Province in Afghanistan. This was part of the War in Afghanistan. This was Stephen's first time serving in the country. His tour lasted from December 2009 to April 2010.
In January 2010, Stephen was leading a convoy of vehicles. His Mastiff PPV (Protected Patrol Vehicle) was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED). Stephen was in the gun turret at the time. Eight soldiers and an interpreter were inside the vehicle. The IED exploded right underneath them. Luckily, no one died, but the vehicle was completely destroyed. After the area was safe, the team took a break and then returned to their patrols the next day.
After His First Tour
After returning from Afghanistan in summer 2010, Stephen and another officer led a charity run. They ran 224 miles (360 km) across Wales with 26 soldiers. They started in Chester and finished in Cardiff on Armed Forces Day. They raised money for charities that help soldiers, including those injured in Afghanistan.
Stephen received a special award called a Mention in Despatches. This was for his amazing leadership during an ambush on his first tour. His unit was protecting a team clearing IEDs when they were attacked. Stephen bravely drew enemy fire three times to show where the enemy was hiding. This allowed his unit to fight back effectively.
During his first tour, Stephen was a lieutenant and a platoon commander. After the tour, he was promoted to captain. In 2010, he said he wanted to stay in the Army for at least 12 years. He also continued to play football, sometimes for the full army team. He joined a local team called Garden Village.
In February 2011, Stephen trained with his battalion in preparation for another trip to Kenya. In March 2012, the 1st Battalion went back to Afghanistan. It was during this tour that Stephen was killed.
Stephen Healey's Death
Stephen Healey was on patrol in the Nahri Saraj District of Helmand province, Afghanistan. His vehicle was destroyed by an improvised explosive device. He received immediate first aid at the scene. He was then flown to the military hospital at Camp Bastion. Sadly, he was confirmed dead upon arrival. He died 78 days into his tour, which began on March 9, 2012.
Before his death, Stephen was in charge of the 1st Battalion Royal Welsh reconnaissance platoon. He was responsible for Checkpoint Langar in the Nahri Saraj District. He was the 415th member of the British Armed Forces to be killed in Afghanistan since operations started in October 2001.
His funeral was held on June 15, with full military honors. It took place at St Cadoc's Roman Catholic Church in Llanrumney.
