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Simon Weston became Britain's most well-known veteran when he returned from the Falklands Conflict with life-changing injuries.
Find out more about the day his ship - the Sir Galahad - was hit by an Argentine bomb, how his remarkable resilience captured the nation's heart, and rock-bottom after struggling to come to terms with what he saw when he first looked in the mirror.
*You can help heroes like Simon by playing the Veterans’ Lottery – this month’s jackpot is £75,000!
Join here: veteransfoundation.org.uk/lottery/join/
Find out more about the day his ship - the Sir Galahad - was hit by an Argentine bomb, how his remarkable resilience captured the nation's heart, and rock-bottom after struggling to come to terms with what he saw when he first looked in the mirror.
*You can help heroes like Simon by playing the Veterans’ Lottery – this month’s jackpot is £75,000!
Join here: veteransfoundation.org.uk/lottery/join/
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Meet Army veteran Ian Stowe. 👋
After more than 20 years of service, Ian faced homelessness and unemployment as he adjusted to civilian life.
With support from The Poppy Factory’s Navigator programme, Ian rebuilt his confidence and went on to launch an Armed Forces community than 50 people together at its first meeting. 💙
Thanks to £162,000 in funding from the Veterans’ Foundation, The Poppy Factory is continuing to support veterans like Ian to rebuild confidence, reconnect with their communities and take positive steps forward.
After more than 20 years of service, Ian faced homelessness and unemployment as he adjusted to civilian life.
With support from The Poppy Factory’s Navigator programme, Ian rebuilt his confidence and went on to launch an Armed Forces community than 50 people together at its first meeting. 💙
Thanks to £162,000 in funding from the Veterans’ Foundation, The Poppy Factory is continuing to support veterans like Ian to rebuild confidence, reconnect with their communities and take positive steps forward.
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🎉 107 years young! Happy Birthday, Harold! 🎂
World War Two RAF veteran Harold Hodgson celebrated his incredible 107th birthday in style, with a sing-along, a party and more than 300 birthday cards sent by well-wishers from across the country! 🇬🇧
Born in Darlington in 1919, Harold served in the RAF during the Second World War and has certainly packed plenty into his 107 years.
Reflecting on his remarkable life, Harold said: “I've done everything, I've let no grass grow under my feet. And I've lived and lived and lived.”
What a wonderful reminder of the power of community and the importance of celebrating those who have served.
Please join us in wishing Harold a very happy 107th birthday! 💙🎂
thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/26708827.…
World War Two RAF veteran Harold Hodgson celebrated his incredible 107th birthday in style, with a sing-along, a party and more than 300 birthday cards sent by well-wishers from across the country! 🇬🇧
Born in Darlington in 1919, Harold served in the RAF during the Second World War and has certainly packed plenty into his 107 years.
Reflecting on his remarkable life, Harold said: “I've done everything, I've let no grass grow under my feet. And I've lived and lived and lived.”
What a wonderful reminder of the power of community and the importance of celebrating those who have served.
Please join us in wishing Harold a very happy 107th birthday! 💙🎂
thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/26708827.…
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Meet Maggie Pedder MBE, a passionate advocate for Armed Forces families and a Veterans’ Foundation trustee since 2023. 💙
From supporting military families in Germany to serving on the Army Families Federation board and chairing the Military Wives Choir, Maggie has dedicated r Armed Forces community.
Her outstanding contribution was recognised with an MBE in 2026.
With over 30 years of HR experience, Maggie understands the challenges smaller charities face and the difference the right funding can make.
She is particularly passionate about ensuring military families and female veterans receive the recognition and support they deserve.
Thank you, Maggie, for your dedication to those who serve and the families standing beside them.
#TrusteesWeek #VeteransFoundation #MilitaryFamilies
From supporting military families in Germany to serving on the Army Families Federation board and chairing the Military Wives Choir, Maggie has dedicated r Armed Forces community.
Her outstanding contribution was recognised with an MBE in 2026.
With over 30 years of HR experience, Maggie understands the challenges smaller charities face and the difference the right funding can make.
She is particularly passionate about ensuring military families and female veterans receive the recognition and support they deserve.
Thank you, Maggie, for your dedication to those who serve and the families standing beside them.
#TrusteesWeek #VeteransFoundation #MilitaryFamilies
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A very special milestone for British Army veteran Charlie Underdown, who celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by family, friends and former colleagues.
Charlie served during the Second World War, including time in India and Germany, before going on to dedicate more than 20 years to Queenborough Fire Station, eventually becoming station manager.
Described by his family as a proud, independent and inspiring man, Charlie marked his big day with a celebration bringing together generations of loved ones and former firefighters.
And his secret to reaching 100? “Plenty of exercise I suppose. Walking and cycling.” 🚴
From military service to decades of supporting his local community, Charlie has certainly lived a remarkable life.
Please join us in wishing Charlie a very happy 100th birthday! 👏🎂
kentonline.co.uk/sheerness/news…
Charlie served during the Second World War, including time in India and Germany, before going on to dedicate more than 20 years to Queenborough Fire Station, eventually becoming station manager.
Described by his family as a proud, independent and inspiring man, Charlie marked his big day with a celebration bringing together generations of loved ones and former firefighters.
And his secret to reaching 100? “Plenty of exercise I suppose. Walking and cycling.” 🚴
From military service to decades of supporting his local community, Charlie has certainly lived a remarkable life.
Please join us in wishing Charlie a very happy 100th birthday! 👏🎂
kentonline.co.uk/sheerness/news…
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Today, we remember Lance Corporal Jake Alderton of 20 Field Squadron, 36 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers, who lost his life while serving in southern Afghanistan on 9 November 2007.
🌹 Lest We Forget.
🌹 Lest We Forget.
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Meet Andrew Anderson, Chair of Trustees at the Veterans’ Foundation. 💙
From serving seven years in the Parachute Regiment to building successful technology businesses across the UK, US and Europe, Andrew brings a wealth of military and business experience to our board.
Since oming Chair in 2025, Andrew has focused on ensuring our funding makes a meaningful, lasting difference to veterans and their families.
Whether it’s helping someone find a safe home, access vital health support or rediscover their sense of purpose, Andrew is committed to making every grant count.
Thank you, Andrew, for your leadership and dedication to the Armed Forces community.
#TrusteesWeek #VeteransFoundation #VeteransSupport
From serving seven years in the Parachute Regiment to building successful technology businesses across the UK, US and Europe, Andrew brings a wealth of military and business experience to our board.
Since oming Chair in 2025, Andrew has focused on ensuring our funding makes a meaningful, lasting difference to veterans and their families.
Whether it’s helping someone find a safe home, access vital health support or rediscover their sense of purpose, Andrew is committed to making every grant count.
Thank you, Andrew, for your leadership and dedication to the Armed Forces community.
#TrusteesWeek #VeteransFoundation #VeteransSupport
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We are saddened to hear of the passing of Charlie Horne, one of Scotland’s last surviving D-Day veterans, aged 100. 🏴🌺
Just 18 years old when he took part in the Normandy landings, Charlie served aboard a minesweeper helping to clear the way for Allied forces on Omaha Beach.
His remarkable life is a reminder of the experiences, sacrifices and stories of a generation we must never forget.
Charlie’s own words carry particular meaning as we mark Remembrance:
“All I ask is that, when we are no longer here to tell you ourselves, you don’t forget them either.”
Our thoughts are with Charlie’s family, friends and everyone at Erskine Veterans Charity who supported him in his final months.
We remember Charlie, and all those who served alongside him. 🌺🕯️
bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…
Just 18 years old when he took part in the Normandy landings, Charlie served aboard a minesweeper helping to clear the way for Allied forces on Omaha Beach.
His remarkable life is a reminder of the experiences, sacrifices and stories of a generation we must never forget.
Charlie’s own words carry particular meaning as we mark Remembrance:
“All I ask is that, when we are no longer here to tell you ourselves, you don’t forget them either.”
Our thoughts are with Charlie’s family, friends and everyone at Erskine Veterans Charity who supported him in his final months.
We remember Charlie, and all those who served alongside him. 🌺🕯️
bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…
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60 years of love and a very special meeting! ❤️
Our Veterans’ Foundation® fundraiser Linda recently had the pleasure of meeting Lynda and Keith Wenborn, who first met at the NAAFI in Portsmouth exactly 60 years ago this week!
At the time, Keith was serving in the Royal Navy, stenographer for the Navy. Six decades later, they’re still together! ❤️
What a wonderful story and a lovely reminder of the lifelong connections made within our Armed Forces Community.
Thank you to Lynda and Keith for sharing their story with us! 🇬🇧
Our Veterans’ Foundation® fundraiser Linda recently had the pleasure of meeting Lynda and Keith Wenborn, who first met at the NAAFI in Portsmouth exactly 60 years ago this week!
At the time, Keith was serving in the Royal Navy, stenographer for the Navy. Six decades later, they’re still together! ❤️
What a wonderful story and a lovely reminder of the lifelong connections made within our Armed Forces Community.
Thank you to Lynda and Keith for sharing their story with us! 🇬🇧
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On this day in history: 9 November 1943.
General Bernard Montgomery holds a message of support from miners in South Wales while serving with the British Army in Italy.
A moment of connection between those serving overseas and communities back home.
📷 Sgt Bourne / Imperial War Museums, NA 8536
General Bernard Montgomery holds a message of support from miners in South Wales while serving with the British Army in Italy.
A moment of connection between those serving overseas and communities back home.
📷 Sgt Bourne / Imperial War Museums, NA 8536
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“We didn’t realise it was going to be a killing beach.”
On 6 June 1944, Royal Navy veteran Eddie Gaines landed on Omaha Beach, witnessing scenes that would stay with him for the rest of his life.
Amid the smoke, gunfire and devastation of D-Day, it was the sight of those who at affected Eddie most deeply.
“These guys had come all that way, thousands of miles from their homes to help us. And that's as far as they got. Isn’t that sad, that is so sad.”
Before his passing in 2023, Eddie shared his memories with the Veterans’ Foundation, giving us a deeply personal account of the human cost of war.
His words are a powerful reminder of why these stories must be preserved, shared and remembered.
We remember Eddie with gratitude, alongside all those who served and those who never returned.
🔗 Read Eddie’s story and hear his moving testimony:
veteransfoundation.org.uk/stories/news/w…
On 6 June 1944, Royal Navy veteran Eddie Gaines landed on Omaha Beach, witnessing scenes that would stay with him for the rest of his life.
Amid the smoke, gunfire and devastation of D-Day, it was the sight of those who at affected Eddie most deeply.
“These guys had come all that way, thousands of miles from their homes to help us. And that's as far as they got. Isn’t that sad, that is so sad.”
Before his passing in 2023, Eddie shared his memories with the Veterans’ Foundation, giving us a deeply personal account of the human cost of war.
His words are a powerful reminder of why these stories must be preserved, shared and remembered.
We remember Eddie with gratitude, alongside all those who served and those who never returned.
🔗 Read Eddie’s story and hear his moving testimony:
veteransfoundation.org.uk/stories/news/w…
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This Remembrance period, we honour all those who served and sacrificed, and the animals who stood alongside them. Their courage and loyalty will never be forgotten.
Lest we forget.🌺
Lest we forget.🌺
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🎂 104 years of life. A remarkable history of service. 💙
A very happy 104th birthday to Second World War veteran Olwen Cantlay, who recently celebrated this incredible milestone surrounded by friends, supporters and members of the Armed Forces Community.
During the Second World War, Olwen served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) and worked on Winston Churchill's War Room staff, playing her part in one of the most significant periods in British history.
More than eight decades later, her service and contribution continue to be recognised and celebrated.
Olwen marked her special birthday at Tranmere Rovers’ Remembrance match, where she shared wartime memories, received flowers and birthday wishes, and was presented with a personalised football shirt.
The celebrations brought together Sister Force Female Veterans Support Group, SSAFA and Tranmere Rovers in the Community, highlighting the importance of friendship, connection and recognition for those who have served.
💙 Olwen's story is also a reminder of the important contributions made by women during the Second World War, and why their experiences deserve to be remembered and shared.
From everyone at Veterans' Foundation, we wish Olwen a wonderful 104th birthday. Thank you for your service, Olwen, and for the history you continue to share.
itv.com/watch/news/mee…
A very happy 104th birthday to Second World War veteran Olwen Cantlay, who recently celebrated this incredible milestone surrounded by friends, supporters and members of the Armed Forces Community.
During the Second World War, Olwen served in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) and worked on Winston Churchill's War Room staff, playing her part in one of the most significant periods in British history.
More than eight decades later, her service and contribution continue to be recognised and celebrated.
Olwen marked her special birthday at Tranmere Rovers’ Remembrance match, where she shared wartime memories, received flowers and birthday wishes, and was presented with a personalised football shirt.
The celebrations brought together Sister Force Female Veterans Support Group, SSAFA and Tranmere Rovers in the Community, highlighting the importance of friendship, connection and recognition for those who have served.
💙 Olwen's story is also a reminder of the important contributions made by women during the Second World War, and why their experiences deserve to be remembered and shared.
From everyone at Veterans' Foundation, we wish Olwen a wonderful 104th birthday. Thank you for your service, Olwen, and for the history you continue to share.
itv.com/watch/news/mee…
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Harold John Colley was just 23 when he lost his life during the First World War.
His actions at Martinpuich in 1918 saw him remain with his men in the face of an advancing enemy, for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously.
Today, we remember his service and e who never returned home.
His actions at Martinpuich in 1918 saw him remain with his men in the face of an advancing enemy, for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously.
Today, we remember his service and e who never returned home.
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A symbol of remembrance, passed from generation to generation.🌺
The poppy reminds us of those who served, those who never returned, and the sacrifices that must never be forgotten.
The poppy reminds us of those who served, those who never returned, and the sacrifices that must never be forgotten.
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Powerful words from Krishna Thapa, a former SAS Gurkha, that capture the importance of standing alongside those who have served.
For veterans facing difficult times, the right support can make a life-changing difference. Whether it's rebuilding confidence, finding connection or brighter future, hope matters.
At Veterans’ Foundation, we're proud to back the organisations across the UK making that support possible.❤️
For veterans facing difficult times, the right support can make a life-changing difference. Whether it's rebuilding confidence, finding connection or brighter future, hope matters.
At Veterans’ Foundation, we're proud to back the organisations across the UK making that support possible.❤️
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Today was a very special occasion for Jane Gurney, CEO, who was honoured to attend the opening of the 98th Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey as a guest of The Poppy Factory, one of our valued grant recipients.
It was a real privilege for Jane to be part of such a moving The Field of Remembrance is a wonderful tribute to all those who have lost their lives in service to our country, giving families, friends and the public a place to pause, reflect and remember.
Jane was delighted to be invited and to see first-hand the valuable work of The Poppy Factory, whose dedication to supporting the Armed Forces community is so important.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone at The Poppy Factory for making Jane feel so welcome. It was an honour to be part of such a meaningful day.
We will remember them. ❤️
It was a real privilege for Jane to be part of such a moving The Field of Remembrance is a wonderful tribute to all those who have lost their lives in service to our country, giving families, friends and the public a place to pause, reflect and remember.
Jane was delighted to be invited and to see first-hand the valuable work of The Poppy Factory, whose dedication to supporting the Armed Forces community is so important.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone at The Poppy Factory for making Jane feel so welcome. It was an honour to be part of such a meaningful day.
We will remember them. ❤️
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This Remembrance period, we honour the courage, sacrifice and service of all those who have served. Their legacy will never be forgotten.
Lest we forget.🌺
Lest we forget.🌺
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Dorothea Barron was 18 when she signed up to serve with the WRENS during WW2 and went on to play a crucial role in the D-Day landings in 1944.
Today, at the age of 102, she has a message for the current generation: "Try and make the World a better place."
Please take a few rothea's remarkable story - and learn why the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, an organisation the Veterans' Foundation is proud to support, is helping her stay connected to other WW2 heroes.
*If you'd like to help veterans like Dorothea, and charities like The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, please play the Veterans' Lottery®. This month's jackpot is £75,000.
Play here: veteransfoundation.org.uk/lottery/join/
Today, at the age of 102, she has a message for the current generation: "Try and make the World a better place."
Please take a few rothea's remarkable story - and learn why the Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, an organisation the Veterans' Foundation is proud to support, is helping her stay connected to other WW2 heroes.
*If you'd like to help veterans like Dorothea, and charities like The Taxi Charity for Military Veterans, please play the Veterans' Lottery®. This month's jackpot is £75,000.
Play here: veteransfoundation.org.uk/lottery/join/
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Remembrance Day is a poignant occasion for all in the Armed Forces community but for Adrian Ellis and his family, it’s especially moving.
Adrian’s son George died in 2021; not in service, but when he lost his battle with deteriorating mental health and took his own life. He was is not alone. On average, five British veterans a week submit to the crushing weight of PTSD – a number the Veterans’ Foundation is committed to helping reduce.
Please take a few minutes to listen to Adrian’s heartbreaking story.
*One way you can help British veterans and the charities that support them is by playing the Veterans’ Lottery.
The film contains suicide themes that some viewers may find upsetting.
Adrian’s son George died in 2021; not in service, but when he lost his battle with deteriorating mental health and took his own life. He was is not alone. On average, five British veterans a week submit to the crushing weight of PTSD – a number the Veterans’ Foundation is committed to helping reduce.
Please take a few minutes to listen to Adrian’s heartbreaking story.
*One way you can help British veterans and the charities that support them is by playing the Veterans’ Lottery.
The film contains suicide themes that some viewers may find upsetting.
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