The father of an Ipswich Olympian has shared his pride as his daughter goes for further medal glory.

Brian Martin has much to be proud of as daughter Hannah French and son Harry have both represented their country at the Games.

The former Ipswich High School pupil has a bronze Olympic medal to her name and Commonwealth Gold as part of Team GB's hockey squad and is part of the team in Paris.

The team lost their opening match against Spain but has a further chance to qualify with matches against Australia today (Monday) and the USA on August 1.

Brian Martin and daughter Hannah after her success at the 2020 Tokyo OlympicsBrian Martin and daughter Hannah after her success at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (Image: Martin family)

Mr Martin, from Holbrook, said: “I’ve told a few people here and am immensely proud of both Hannah and her brother, Harry, who played for the men’s hockey team at the London, Rio and Tokyo Olympics.

“They’ve both done fantastically, although I know how hard they’ve had to work for their success.

“It hasn’t come easily and they’ve had to make lots of sacrifices along the way.”

Hannah French is part of the Team GB hockey squad in Paris.Hannah French is part of the Team GB hockey squad in Paris. (Image: Jacob King/PA Wire)

Since June, the 66-year-old has been volunteering for the East Anglian Children's Hospice at The Treehouse and is also part of the charity’s Helping Hands group.

He had decided after retiring in 2022 that he wanted to give something back to the community.

His career included 35 years as an agronomist as well as a cowboy in Venezuela where he managed 10 ranches across South America.

In 2022, the family donated the proceeds of the collection from Mr Martin's late wife Anita's funeral to EACH.

Mr Martin, who recently marshalled at the Piglet Junior Hog fundraiser, said: “We live in a selfish world and, over the years, I’ve been as guilty as anyone of putting number one first. We all do.

“Now I’ve got the time to give something back and hopefully my little contribution helps in some way."

EACH staff and volunteers at The Treehouse are rooting for the Team GB women's hockey team in ParisEACH staff and volunteers at The Treehouse are rooting for the Team GB women's hockey team in Paris (Image: EACH)

He was also pleased to help at EACH's Treefest event, which was held at its Treehouse site in June.

Mr Martin added: “To see the families having such fun and being themselves, in an environment where they clearly feel safe and comfortable, was genuinely humbling.

“There are lots of great causes out there but anything that helps children has my full support.”