A Small Boy with a Big Personality

Grant was born on 27th May 1982 in Beaufort to Mam Jen and Dad Lynn, and was little brother to Sam. He attended Beaufort Hill School, Glyncoed and Ebbw Vale Comprehensives. Reports described a happy, pleasant pupil who needed close supervision to avoid distraction… we all know he loved to talk.

The family home was always open to friends, full of love and care. Grant was proud of the values instilled by his Dad and was a caring son to his Mam… “no swearing in front of my Mam”.

Grant and Sam were close as children, enjoying kids’ clubs on holidays and laughing at Disney’s Robin Hood cartoon. Grant loved dressing up as his heroes and as a cowboy, shooting the family with his toy pistol. He was obsessed with Superman, He-Man and keys — perhaps surprising given how many he ‘misplaced’ over the years, alongside wallets and phones.

The name ‘Grant’ derives from the French word for ‘grand’, meaning tall or big. Ironically, he was one of the smallest boys but made up for it with his huge personality. He called himself Grant the Great to Sam, who always looked for birthday cards saying ‘Great Brother’ for him.

Growing up, Grant loved sports, pool and fishing trips, enthusiastically preparing with friends on Friday nights for Saturday’s fishing competitions.

The Beaufort Boys and a Heart of a Lion

Although he left Beaufort, his heart remained with the ‘Beaufort boys’ and “Grant and Jonny” were known as one. The gang included Charlotte and Hilly, who walked home from Junior school with him.

A five-minute walk could take over an hour because Grant stopped to talk so often. One day, his mother was worriedly looking for him when he still hadn’t arrived home by nearly 5 pm!

On the rugby and football pitch, he might not have been the biggest, but teammate Lee said Grant “always had the heart of a lion and could tackle a block of flats down”.

Best friend Jon recalls a school rugby game when Grant attempted a last-ditch tackle down the wing, knowing he would get studs in the face. Typically, he was furious when the teacher wouldn’t let him play on with blood streaming down his face.

A Life of Friendship, Laughter and Adventure

Grant graduated from Swansea University with a BSc in Sport Science. Craig, Grant and Jon loved reminiscing about university, memories filled with fun and laughter.

Grant was always making new friends, frequently returning from the pub toilet chatting to someone new who often became a friend to them all.

One tribute captured him perfectly:

“Grant’s outgoing and friendly demeanour was one of my strongest memories of freshers week.”

Grant travelled with Jon to India and Thailand in 2005, with Sam joining them for a few weeks. They enjoyed discovering new places and meeting people.

Grant loved looking smart, and Jon teased him for being the only ‘traveller’ carrying a hair straightener in his backpack!

Grant was special to so many people. Wherever he went, he made a lasting impression and forged strong friendships, through school, rugby and football, university, travelling, policing, watching the Swans and his triathlon groups.

One chapter of Grant’s life was his relationship and marriage to another Sam, with their time together filled with love and fun.

Grant shared a close connection with Laura, who supported him in the difficult years following his Dad’s death.

Home was with Ceriann. Their strong bond together remained over a period of years, and they shared love for their dogs, Meghan and Merfyn, who they adored.

Ceriann described Grant as funny even when he didn’t mean to be, and as the messiest person in the world.

Grant achieved great things in his police career and excelled in numerous sports and activities. Beyond his wins and awards, we remember his exceptional skills, kindness, sense of justice, loyalty, humour, competitiveness and dedication to helping others.

Determination Beyond the Finish Line

Grant became a keen cyclist and triathlete, owning more bikes than Halfords. He inspired others to compete in Ironman-distance events, a lasting part of his legacy.

His ambition never wavered, always striving to improve his already amazing Ironman times despite a challenging fatigue condition and the demands of his job.

Never one to miss out, it was astonishing that after a 60-hour week he could ride 100 miles and finish in the pub for several beers. The heart of a lion always remained.

Grant’s supportive nature shone through after Jimmy’s serious bike crash just one week before his first Ironman. Grant’s guidance helped Jim get back on his feet and excited to train again.

When Jim finally completed his first Ironman a year later, he received a personalised award commemorating the achievement. Grant always had your back.

At Ironman Wales 2026, Jimmy and Jon carried Grant’s photo and flag across the finish line in his memory.

He enjoyed travelling and holidays to stay with Craig in France, cycling trips with Jimmy to Lanzarote and with SWP to Majorca and triathlon events around the UK.

Paul said:

“Cycling in Majorca in 2024 a highlight for me, a great trip made all the better for Grant being there we had some proper belly laughs.”

A Police Officer Through and Through

Grant joined South Wales Police in 2007, starting as a response PC before working in neighbourhood policing, the hub and CID across Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot.

Temporarily promoted to Sergeant in 2020, he earned substantive promotion in 2021. He passed the Inspector exam and was supported for further promotion by the Divisional Senior Management Team.

His record included several recent Divisional Commanders’ Commendations, recognising his professionalism, diligence and positive contributions.

We were all proud of Grant’s achievements as a police officer. He loved his work and was incredibly proud to serve South Wales Police.

He frequently spoke about how much he loved his job… it was more than a job to him.

Despite being disorganised and sometimes chaotic outside work, he was the complete opposite professionally.

A Lasting Legacy of Service and Friendship

His enthusiasm, tenacity in investigations and ability to spot overlooked evidence helped secure convictions for robbery, domestic abuse and organised criminality.

His passion, curiosity, focus and dedication were evident in his work and the people he protected. Many victims sent thank-you letters, and he also made arrests off duty, reflecting his commitment to doing the right thing.

His supervisor described him as bright, sharp and able to pick things up far quicker than others — nothing short of outstanding. He cared for his team and was a great leader.

In one of his last conversations with best friend Jon, Grant reaffirmed that he simply wanted to be a police officer. He had great respect and camaraderie for his South Wales Police colleagues and Triathlon Club friends, who clearly felt the same about him:

• No matter how busy you were you always made time to help others and that meant a lot to so many people and said so much about the kind of person you were,

• Always offering advice and help to people joining our triathlon group, you were always on first hand to share your wealth of knowledge and help anyone in need

• Your passion for the job and commitment was infectious and pushed us all to achieve great results leading from the font

• You were the kindest and most patient person and cycling buddy I ever met

• Grant was deeply committed to his role, a role he truly loved and not only will be remembered for his beautiful personality and smile but also for the dedication and heart he brought to his work every day

• Always cracking jokes, that loud laugh that brightened up everyone’s day

• Your ability as a police officer was nothing short of outstanding and your caring side set you aside from others

• The best guy to grow up with.

• You always had time for people no matter what the circumstances and always brought light and humour to ever room you were in

• You excelled in training school and always had the highest marks in our exams, however you were not just academic but a fantastic police officer, hardworking and fair

• He would always make us laugh with his funny, quirky ways

• You were a sensitive soul and wore your heart on your sleeve

• You were so switched on, a great sergeant and a great leader

• When asked why you were in work hours after you had clocked off you simply said “Doing some work for my team”

• A lovely soul.

• A legend, now and always.

• A funny boy and always smiling.

• Helped me when my ex was abusive, helped me and the boys during a really bad time

• A top bloke and good man.

• The main character in so many stories.

• A beautiful and hilarious person with a heart of gold, he left an imprint on everyone who loved him.

Some words from Mark Twain sum up our forever connection to Grant:

“You meet people who forget you. You forget people you meet. But sometimes you meet those people you can't forget. Those are your friends.”