THE community of Builth Wells has lost an “inspiration”, a “legend” and someone described as a “one of a kind” following the shock death of Murray Beehan.

Tributes poured in for the 34-year-old after he died suddenly last week. Murray, known affectionately by family and countless friends as ‘Muz’, overcame various struggles after being given little chance of survival when a difficult delivery meant he was born suffering from shock, which in turn led to blood clots forming in the vessels of his kidneys, causing irreparable damage.

That reduced his kidney function and resulted in him undergoing three kidney transplants before the age of six, the first two of which failed, and yet he went on to defy doctors and win scores of medals as a brilliant athlete and swimmer at the British and World Transplant Games as a child and teenager.

Murray’s family this week described him as “Mr Invincible” having beat all the odds early on to live a full and happy life.

Even though he had shielded for much of 2020, having being put in a high-risk category of catching coronavirus due to his health problems, and especially after his third transplant failed four years ago, a Covid-19 test days before Christmas proved negative. He died suddenly on Wednesday, December 30, after suddenly collapsing at home with mum Alvina and dad Patrick present, the cause of death as yet unknown.

His death sparked a surge of colourful tributes and nostalgic photos on social media – from a multitude of friends and family from Builth, as well as beyond, including some of his firm friends he met while competing in the pool.

Lifelong family friend Gareth Wood said: “Seeing all the tributes roll in for you. Muz, you are one of a kind.

“You put every ounce of effort in to make it to my wedding abroad, not long after coming out of intensive care. I've lost count of the amount of times we've sat at the end of night when everyone else is asleep telling each other how much we love each other. Take care pal.”

Another close mate Simon Bound posted: “RIP my good pal, always such a positive soul. You’ll be truly missed.”

Dan Tate added: “Rest easy Murray Beehan lad. One of the biggest legends I've had the privilege to meet. Thoughts with Sean Beehan and Ryan and family. RIP Baz.”

Rachael Hughes added: “Rest in peace Murray, you were such an inspiration that you will never be forgotten. Taken far too soon but you sure knew how to make most of your life.”

After suffering kidney failure at birth, Murray was on a dialysis machine for four hours a day until the age of five, when his third kidney transplant was successful.

After this operation in 1992, he played football and rugby for Builth at junior level before being forced to stop aged 13 because had a knock or tackle damaged his transplanted kidney, it could have killed him.

Rather than wallow, Murray channelled his energy elsewhere – athletics and swimming; fields where hard work and perseverance paid off and saw him win gold medals in the 100 metre sprint, long jump and three swimming disciplines at the 2002 British Transplant Games. Those feats earned him a place in the Team GB squad for the World Transplant Games a year later, in France. He competed again two years after in Canada and again in South Africa in 2013 – winning medals on each occasion.

Former GB team-mates also took to Facebook to heap praise on their pal. Elizabeth Hosford said: “A big hug and much love to Murray's family and friends. Murray, I'll mostly remember our World Games in Malaga where we sat in the pool and chatted until our beers got warm. Absolute top bloke whose outlook was positive and amazing. Much love.”

Fellow swimmer George Newman said: “Murray, I’ve had nothing but love and respect for you since you first shook my hand at the games after a race. I just wish we could have one last catch up over a beer.”

After finishing high school in his hometown, Murray graduated from Cardiff University with a town and regional planning degree. In recent years he’d completed a diploma for financial advisers and was working with dad Pat as an advisor at the time of his death. He’d also served as rugby coach for Builth 2nds for a number of years.

As well as his dedicated mum and dad, Murray also leaves behind younger brothers Sean and Ryan, as well as partner Tatum, who he’d been with for the last five years, with the family describing the couple as “soulmates”.