We are extremely proud to announce that The Not Forgotten has been recognised alongside 161 other employers across the UK with the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award for our outstanding commitment to supporting the Armed Forces Community, and promoting the adoption of the Armed Forces Covenant.
This represents a fantastic achievement for The Not Forgotten team, our supporters and volunteers, and our partners - many of whom champion the Armed Forces Covenant themselves.
Richard Walker OBE, Chief Executive of The Not Forgotten said today:
“Achieving Gold recognition reflects our commitment not just to supporting the Armed Forces community, but to championing the Armed Forces Covenant, building meaningful partnerships, and helping drive this national movement that strengthens communities, employers and society as a whole. I am passionate about the value this initiative brings which extends far beyond the veteran and military community."
Our thanks to Defence Relationship Management UK for their support and recognition. It is an absolute honour to join this important community of organisations at Gold Award level going the extra mile to champion and deliver against our Armed Forces Covenant commitments.
As many of you will know, a team of 27 veterans and supporters of The Not Forgotten have joined our Head of Events Rosie Thompson this year in undertaking the '28 For 28 Challenge' - each committing to walking or running 28 miles each every single week this year! Raising vital funds for The Not Forgotten and pushing their own personal boundaries at the same time.
One of the team is Debbie Matthews, wife of Royal Marine veteran Frank who has been supported by The Not Forgotten since 2021 when he suffered a period of ill health. Since then, Debbie and Frank have come to view The Not Forgotten as “a lifesaver”, and the support of Rosie herself as having changed both their lives.
When Rosie put the ‘Team 28 For 28’ together, Debbie didn’t hesitate in volunteering for the significant physical challenge marking Rosie’s final year at the charity. What’s more, over the summer Debbie isn’t just keeping up her weekly 28 miles but is also helping run our ’28 For 28 Party’ events all around the country.
We caught up with Debbie (while she was having some brief down time!) to hear all about her and Frank’s journey with The Not Forgotten and what being part of Team 28 For 28 has meant to them both this year.
“We first encountered The Not Forgotten during Covid. Frank fell very ill in April 2021 and was hospitalised for four weeks. It was a really, really, hard lonely time, with no-one for me to turn to during lockdown. During his physical illness, Frank’s mental health took a turn; he was suffering flashbacks on top of the hyper vigilance, paranoia and Complex PTSD he already suffers with.
He didn’t trust anybody and even after his discharge from hospital was then bedridden for three months. I needed someone in the military community, who would understand Frank’s struggles, but at that time I didn’t really know anyone.
A few months into this awful time, a miraculous call came from The Not Forgotten, offering us a place on the Ashcombe respite break in Devon. Unfortunately, due to Frank’s health we couldn’t go, but instead later that year we managed to attend the Christmas Reception at St James’s Palace – we simply couldn’t believe we were there. And that’s where we first met Rosie.”
Debbie still remembers the first impression Rosie made on her. “Frank still wasn’t well, it was his first time out and about, and he was feeling quite overwhelmed. Rosie came over and asked if Frank was ok – she knew his name and that he was a Royal Marine; she took him quietly away where he could have some space and talk to another Marine veteran. It was done so kindly and subtly that no-one else on the table noticed. We were so grateful to Rosie that day - and it sums her up as a person. She knows everyone’s name and just how to help them, without making a fuss.”
“That was the start of our journey with The Not Forgotten, and it really has changed our life. It has literally been a lifesaver – both the support for Frank but also for me. I was so isolated, whereas now I know I have people there for me, as well as for him.”
Over the years since 2021, Debbie and Frank have attended many events with The Not Forgotten – from respite breaks to carp fishing to Christmas lunches. But they have also given back to The Not Forgotten in spades, volunteering at events and fundraising collections whenever they can.
“We can’t give much ourselves financially, but one thing we have got is time. We try and do what we can and bring others on board with us. And what we get back from that is amazing. The difference in Frank when we have been with The Not Forgotten is incredible – whether that’s at an event they invite us to, or volunteering at a stall or bucket collection. Recently another veteran we were volunteering with described it as “therapy in the cold foyer of a supermarket!” And it really is!”
Debbie is thrilled to be part of Team 28 For 28 this year. She has been getting out for walks most mornings as early as 5.30am. “It makes me feel good; it’s an escape from the treadmill of the everyday.”
She has been getting Frank to feel involved where she can too, despite his ongoing health struggles. “When his health allows we go for an evening walk around the block, so that he feels part of it. We’re lucky to be able to do it together.”
So far, since 1st January, Debbie has covered an astonishing 894 miles, and she says she is certainly noticing a difference – “Who knew I had skinny legs!” she laughs.
“My health has improved dramatically. But it’s also the mental impact which is incredible, for both of us”.
Debbie builds some of her mileage into her everyday activities, involving the grandchildren walking home from school. She set herself a goal to walk to and from her home to each of her children’s homes who are all about 5 miles away And, importantly, she has so far raised over £1,000 for Team 28 For 28!
However, for Debbie 28 For 28 is not just about miles covered and pounds raised. She and Frank are also spending this summer volunteering at The Not Forgotten 28 For 28 Parties all around the country – gatherings bringing veterans together for gentle team games, camaraderie, music and dancing.
“Volunteering to help run the parties means getting to spend meaningful time with each other and with Rosie during her final year at the charity. As well as having a lot of fun! It means we get to escape normal life for a few hours, have a laugh and a joke in an environment Frank and other veterans feels safe.
“The parties so far have been amazing for him. The difference a few hours at one of these events makes for any veteran is amazing. It’s nothing fancy, it’s not rocket science; but just getting veterans together and having a laugh lets people know they’re not alone.” Plus we have made lifelong friends.
In supporting these events Debbie and Frank are travelling all over the country; they have even come up with an ingenious way to raise more money for 28 For 28 in the process: “For every mile we travel we pay 1p into our 28 For 28 fund – it doesn’t sound much but it’s certainly adding up already! And because Frank is the driver, it means he is raising money for 28 For 28 himself this way, rather than just me.”
For Debbie, being a member Team 28 For 28 this year has felt a real privilege. “Being part of something celebrating a wonderful woman and all she has done for veterans like Frank and partners like myself is really meaningful.
“Rosie is an incredible lady but so humble, that’s what is so endearing about her. So it’s important that 28 For 28 is finally about her - however modest she is about it, we want to celebrate her! All the fun of this summer at the parties will be tinged with sadness though, as we’re going to miss her luckily we have forged a great friendship over the years - she has been a massive part of our lives.”
Sponsor Debbie and Team 28 For 28 HERE
To mark Armed Forces Day 2026 The Not Forgotten is proud to announce the ‘Style a Smile for a Veteran’ art competition for children, running from now until the end of November to raise money and awareness for the ’28 For 28’ campaign.
Know any children who might like to take part? All you need to do is request a colouring sheet (we have two different styles of veteran to choose from), then get the kids to draw, colour and decorate their sheet to represent a someone they know.
It might be a veteran they know – Mum, Dad, Gran or Grandad, friend or neighbour; or it might be anyone else in their life - it doesn't have to be a veteran! Whoever they draw is sure to raise a smile amongst our veteran community. The more creative the better!
The competition is open to children up to age 12 and will be judged in two categories – up to age 7, and 7-12 year olds. The judges (a panel of experienced veteran artists) will judge all entries on technical skill, creativity and interpretation of the theme, with a £100 gift card for each age group winner.
The entry fee is just £2.80, plus £1.55 postage, with all proceeds going to the 28 For 28 Challenge total.
To request an entry sheet please email karlie@thenotforgotten.org
Then head to our DONATION PAGE to donate £4.35 (entry fee+postage). When donating please select the reason for donating as 'Style a Smile for a Veteran'.
If you think a school or youth group near you might want multiple sheets for groups of children we'd love to hear from you too.
One entry per child. Entries must be submitted by their parent/guardian (18+)
We can't wait to see all the smiles!
Property professionals from across the Midlands came together at Warwick Racecourse in early June to help raise more than £11,500 for The Not Forgotten
The 2026 Virtus Property Race Day welcomed more than 170 guests from across the property and construction sector for a day of racing, networking and fundraising in aid of The Not Forgotten.
Virtus Property Services – part of the Wigley Group – held the event to continue its long-standing commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community and veteran causes, with Wigley having championed military charities and initiatives such as the Armed Forces Covenant for many years.
This year's race day was supported by key sponsors Stockton House, Insight Surveyors, ehB Residential, Rainier Developments and Taylor Wimpey Strategic Land Midlands, who all played an important role in helping the event raise a total of £11,578 for the charity.
MC Ian Brand, Grants and Partnerships Manager for The Not Forgotten, hosted proceedings.
Highlights from the day included a charity auction and raffle led by Robert Bellamy, Race Day Presenter at Warwick Racecourse.
Guests also heard from former British Army Intelligence Corps soldier Rae Scarff, who shared her incredible story of coping with injuries sustained while serving, and spoke about the positive impact The Not Forgotten has had on veterans and service personnel facing injury, illness and isolation.
Chris Parsons, Managing Director of Virtus Property Services, said: "Supporting veterans has always been incredibly important to us and the wider Wigley Group, so being able to bring together so many people from across the property sector to raise more than £11,500 for The Not Forgotten was something we are very proud of.
"The charity does remarkable work helping former and serving members of the Armed Forces rebuild confidence, form new connections and enjoy experiences that many of us take for granted.
"The generosity shown by everyone who attended was fantastic. It was a brilliant day, and we're grateful to our sponsors, guests and supporters for helping us raise such an incredible amount for a superb cause."
The funds raised will help The Not Forgotten continue delivering activities, events and challenges that improve the wellbeing of veterans and serving personnel across the UK.
Colonel (Retd) Richard Walker OBE, Chief Executive Officer of The Not Forgotten, said: "We are enormously grateful to Virtus Property Services and everyone who supported the Property Race Day.
"The support shown by the property community has been wonderful to see. The funds raised will help us continue creating opportunities for veterans and service personnel to rebuild confidence and enjoy experiences that enhance their quality of life.
"Virtus and Wigley have been passionate supporters of veteran causes for many years, and we are honoured to have been chosen as the beneficiary of such a successful event."
Wishing a very happy birthday today to Mr Robert Piper, beneficiary and dedicated friend of The Not Forgotten, who turns 101 today, 10th June.
World War Two veteran Mr Piper from Southwater in West Sussex was only 14 when World War Two broke out; he joined the Home Guard before managing to conceal his age and sign up with the Army aged 15 in 1940.
He served with The Royal Sussex Regiment and the Royal Corp of Signals during World War Two, taking part in the D-Day landings and surviving intense fighting in Northern France.
At the end of the war Mr Piper was deployed to the Middle East, tasked with establishing a wireless link between Amman and London, before finally returning to the UK at the end of 1947.
Mr Piper has attended many Not Forgotten events over the years, with his son Robert Piper Jr. Many of our supporters and beneficiaries have enjoyed speaking to him and hearing his stories, always told with a real sparkle in his eye.
At this year's Not Forgotten Garden Party at Buckingham Palace Mr Piper was overheard advising HRH Princess Anne humourously to 'slow down' in her duties!
Happy birthday Mr Piper - thank you for all you gave for your country at such a young age.
This week is Volunteers' Week! In recognition, we are celebrating the outstanding contribution that volunteers make to The Not Forgotten throughout the year. Giving their time, energy and enthusiasm to help ensure that veterans and service personnel feel seen, supported, and never forgotten.
Whether collecting at one of our railway station or supermarket collections around the country; manning stalls at festivals and shows; or supporting our staff at our day or week-long events: without these incredible people we would not be able to fund and facilitate our full events programme impacting over 10,000 veterans and serving personnel every year.
In 2024-25, TNF volunteers selflessly gave over 1,000 volunteering days in total between them, helping at collections and supporting our events.
This outstanding commitment is absolutely vital in raising donations, spreading awareness, and making our beneficiaries feel safe and supported at our events.
Many of these volunteers are beneficiaries of The Not Forgotten themselves and want to give back to a charity which has meant a lot to them. Others are family members, or simply people with whom our mission resonates.
Other volunteers from our corporate partners and partner organisations attend our events as teams to provide ‘on-the-ground’ assistance like handing out refreshments, their contribution forming part of their commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.
Not forgetting the hundreds of serving Armed Forces personnel and cadets who volunteer at our events (part of our own commitment to collaboration with the Armed Forces community and the Armed Forces Covenant) - they can often be seen setting up events, directing, assisting and reassuring guests, or performing military music.
And last but not least our entertainers who often provide their acts for free to lift the spirits of our veterans.
Every event, every smile, every moment of connection happens because volunteers chose to give up this time of theirs to others.
And it’s not all one-sided either! Volunteering can have a hugely positive impact on the volunteers themselves. As Karen, who volunteered at a Tesco collection in April, put it:
“There has been laughter, tears, banter and friendships made. I can honestly say that I have had some awesome days out with The Not Forgotten, but today was up there too. By the end of the day we had left swapping phone numbers, arranging days out, girly weekends away and with new Facebook friends too. We all chatted like we were long lost friends and I can honestly say that it was just as good fundraising as it has been spending days out having fun at other TNF events".
To every volunteer: thank you. Your impact reaches further than you know.
If you’re curious about joining our amazing volunteer community, explore our volunteering opportunities - we’d love to welcome you.
The Not Forgotten is delighted to announce the appointment of Peter Hewitt, Co-Chair of Universal Defence and Security Solutions, as Ambassador for the charity.
The appointment was marked on Tuesday 19th May 2026 at The Not Forgotten’s annual Buckingham Palace Garden Party, hosted by the charity’s Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.
For more than a century, The Not Forgotten has supported serving personnel and veterans living with injury, illness and isolation. Through events, entertainment, respite, challenge activities and social opportunities, the charity brings people together, helping members of the Armed Forces community feel connected, valued and remembered.
Peter’s appointment as Ambassador reflects his long-standing commitment to the Armed Forces community and his belief in the importance of practical, personal support for those who have served.
Peter is a highly experienced business leader and public servant with over forty years’ experience at chair and board level, including founding and leading an AIM‑quoted company. A former Alderman of the City of London, he has chaired major social investment initiatives and supported the stewardship of significant public assets. Appointed an Honorary Group Captain in the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, he sits on various RAF command boards and serves as an Ambassador for the Royal Air Force. Widely recognised for his charitable and pro bono service, he brings integrity, judgement and a lifelong commitment to public good in his new role for The Not Forgotten.
Peter joins The Not Forgotten at a time when the charity continues to expand its reach and impact across the UK, delivering meaningful experiences for thousands of beneficiaries each year.
He will be integral to the charity building new networks and relationships that underpin its vision of maintaining a resilient and sustainable organisation through turbulent times.
Richard Walker OBE, Chief Executive of The Not Forgotten, welcomed the appointment, saying:
“We are delighted to welcome Peter Hewitt as Ambassador for The Not Forgotten. Peter understands the enduring importance of service, fellowship and connection, and we are extremely grateful for his support as we continue our work with veterans and serving personnel across the UK.”
Peter Hewitt said:
“It is a great honour to become an Ambassador for The Not Forgotten. The charity’s work is both simple and deeply powerful: it reminds those who have served that they are seen, valued and never forgotten. I am proud to support Richard and the team as they continue this remarkable work.”
The annual Garden Party remains one of the charity’s most significant events, bringing together beneficiaries from across the Armed Forces community in the historic surroundings of Buckingham Palace.
Peter’s appointment will help The Not Forgotten continue to raise awareness of its mission, strengthen relationships with supporters and partners, and champion the charity’s work with those who have given so much in service of others.
At the beginning of the year we announced the launch of the 'Team 28 for 28' Challenge - a physical fundraising challenge marking the retirement of our Head of Events Rosie Thompson after an incredible 28 years' service to the The Not Forgotten.
Every single week during the whole of 2026 Rosie is walking or running 28 miles - totalling an incredible 1,456 miles by 31 December! She is being joined by 27 veterans, partners and supporters, forming the formidable ‘Team 28 for 28’.
Each member of the team will be walking or running their own 28 miles per week – a real feat of commitment, perseverance and stamina across the year. Their aim is to raise between them a total of £28,000 for The Not Forgotten.
Now that we're almost three months into the challenge, we thought it was time for an update, sharing some of the stories of the team and how they have been achieving their 28 miles each week.
Sheila Ellson
Sheila is a Wren who served from 1975 - 1984. She now lives in "sunny Hull" and is covering her 28 miles a week walking around Hull and surrounding areas - from the Humber Bridge to the Hull Flood Barrier, the Lost Trawlermen Memorial at St Andrew's Dock to Withnersea Pier. Her '28 for 28' walks have taken in the Rugby League World Cup at MKM Stadium Hull, and coming face to face with Vikings in York!
Tony and Olga
Tony Storr and his partner Olga have been racking up the miles around their hometown of Cheltenham, including doing their local Park Run with someone you might recognise, who served with Tony in 17 Port and Maritime Regiment RCT in late 80s - Dame Kelly Holmes...
Jack Finn-Kelcey
Jack has taken 28 for 28 to the extreme - in February he took a day out of his ski-tutoring in Breckenridge Colorado to ski 28 miles for the challenge (and actually ended up skiing 42!). This month Jack has covered many miles on a trip through Northumberland and Scotland, and conquered Ben Nevis in deep snow!
Others in the team have also been out in all weathers - here is Susie Cumberland near Birmingham, Chris Last in the Mendips and Debbie Matthews near Plymouth.
Ben Roberts
Ben ran the Chelmsford Half Marathon on 1st March to add to his total...
While several like Dave Wakelin and Sarah Reid have roped in their four-legged friends to spur them on their way!
Kiwi the dog - the Team 28 for 28 Mascot
Kiwi is undertaking the 28 for 28 challenge herself - tracked by her owners Martin and Catherine Ash. Over the past 11 weeks she has clocked up an incredible 308 miles on her walks!
And a big thank you to Anne McGinley (who many will recognise from her 25 years' service as TNF's former Events Coordinator) - Anne is not only part of the team walking 28 miles every week but is doing all the admin behind the team effort, logging participants' miles weekly and keeping everyone’s morale boosted.
In support of Team 28 for 28 we are inviting the wider Not Forgotten community to come up with your own ideas for fundraising to the theme of '28'.
Hold a coffee and cake morning for 28 people, craft 28 cuddly toys, complete 28 walks in 28 cities, host an evening of 28 cocktails, organise a sponsored pub crawl around 28 pubs or 28 rounds of golf….
Any idea goes! There is no pressure to raise huge amounts of money, just whatever you can - it might be £28, £128, £280, £528… any amount is wonderful just so long as the end sum has the figure 28 in it somewhere! Every 28 for 28 Fundraiser will receive a limited-edition badge and certificate as a thank you for their support.
Ang Reynolds
Ang has set herself the challenge of painting 28 pictures in 28 weeks, beginning on March 1st and ending on 13 September. Her paintings will all be different styles, mediums and sizes. Above is her first painting "I wanted this to be a special one for The Not Forgotten so it is the symbol of the charity, the elephant head", and her second, a beautiful hare in soft pastels. Using her incredible talent Ang has already raised almost £1,000!
Chris Whitehead has knitted 28 chicks and ladybirds with creme eggs inside, to sell for Easter.
While Carin Pollexfen-Smith is making 28 Christmas cakes throughout the year to sell in the festive season.
JJ Adams has set herself a personal weight-loss challenge of shedding 28lbs (2 stone) in 28 weeks.
Maggie Lawlor swam 28 lengths every day during the 28 days of February.
Keith Potter
Keith tabbed 28 miles over 7 days in early March, carrying 28 lbs in his pack. He covered his challenge on his YouTube channel 'Let's Tab 59' and got huge support, giving each of his sponsors a public shout out to say thank you personally - and raised a phenomenal £5,282!
Gaz Humphrey has been in hospital for nearly 4 weeks but hasn't let that deter him from fundraising - here he had completed 28 laps of his hospital ward!
Teresa Barrow
Teresa has crocheted 300 crochet poppies: "My target was 280 but I carried on until the wool ran out!" Not only are Teresa's poppies raising money for '28 for 28' but they are being taken to Normandy to form part of the Standing with Giants memorial installation. Now she has finished the poppies, Teresa has started on her next '28 for 28' crochet challenge, creating 28 elephants (called 'June' after TNF's cuddly elephant mascot Juno) - each elephant will take Teresa a week to make.
Irene Jackman is holding coffee and cake day on 24th April, with a lucky dip containing 28 prizes
While Suzanne Groake-Oliver is hosting a garden party in Royal Wootton Bassett, with 28 items of food and drinks to chose from!
And possibly the cutest fundraiser...
Grady the guide dog, belonging to Sue Eyles, is aiming to be photographed in different locations wearing 28 different bow ties throughout the year! This one is a bespoke TNF bow tie Sue had made specially. How smart does he look!
The total raised by the '28 for 28' Fundraising Campaign so far is over £17,000!
And that's only three months into the year - think what our 28 for 28 Team and Community can raise by December! Keep following our social media for updates or sign up to the TNF newsletter
To make a donation in support of Team 28 for 28 go to the 28 for 28 JustGiving page
We were deeply honoured to be selected in the autumn as one of four charities supported by The Telegraph for their Christmas Charity Appeal 2025, alongside Canine Partners, the Motor Neurone Disease Association and Prostate Cancer Research.
The Appeal ran from November until the end of January, and we are absolutely thrilled to announce that the total raised by the 2025 Christmas Charity Appeal was £672,000 – one of the most successful in the Appeal’s 39-year history.
This tremendous generosity of The Telegraph community will directly enable much of our events programme in the year ahead - our regional community events, our vital respite and challenge activities, our days out and varied peer-supported experiences.
Work that genuinely changes lives, and in many cases saves them.
Richard Walker OBE, Chief Executive of The Not Forgotten, said:
“The Telegraph’s Appeal has been nothing short of life-changing for The Not Forgotten. We are deeply indebted to every reader who has donated, commented, or reached out. The engagement around the published articles has been phenomenal, heartfelt and often deeply personal. You have given our veterans a voice, a community and the strength that comes from knowing they matter. Thank you for standing with those who have served - your support means more than you may ever know.”
Many of you will have followed the emotional stories The Telegraph told during November, December and January about our beneficiaries, our events and the impact of our work – find the stories here
Not only did these articles push donations, but they were read by as many as 27 million other people via the Telegraph’s printed newspaper and their online channels, giving us an unprecedented level of exposure to the media and the public.
The Telegraph’s telling of our veterans’ stories clearly resonated with people, as we saw thousands of new visitors to our website and social media channels. Many readers not only donated to us but stepped forward to support us on a more enduring basis, and we warmly welcome them into our family.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who spread the word about the campaign, took part as an interviewee, followed and shared the stories or made a donation. We are deeply indebted to the editorial team and journalists at The Telegraph who told our veterans’ stories so powerfully and with such empathy.
Announcing the “record-breaking” campaign total, The Telegraph said:
“Now in its 39th year, The Telegraph Charity Appeal is a tradition which our journalists and staff deeply appreciate; a chance to turn our attention towards the positive stories of hope, courage and connection in the darkest months of the year."
"The number of generous readers who’ve helped us achieve this remarkable figure is immensely heartening. You’ve celebrated the work of the people trying to make the world a better place and put your hands into your pockets to donate to the neediest in society. It is a privilege to shine a light on these charities that are doing such important work.”
Read our veterans stories here
Read more about the success of The Telegraph Christmas Charity Appeal 2025
A few words from Simon Skipp, a Royal Marine veteran who attended one of our week's adaptive skiing trips to Breckenridge, Colorado, this February. A beautiful description of the impact of the experience on his mental health, self belief and outlook on life.
When you’re at home alone, standing in front of a mirror, it’s easy to place a grey filter over your life. The longer you stare at the reflection, the darker that filter becomes. As it darkens, it turns into a magnet - pulling in negative energy, feelings, and emotions. The more it draws in, the less positivity remains. The balance between love and hate fades, and slowly, you begin to forget who you really are.
You forget the sparkle and magic you once carried. The days of being the life and soul feel like a distant memory. You forget who you are and who you once became. The moments that shaped you turn into history, and like many pivotal moments in history, the truth is forgotten.
What you forget, while lost in your reflection, is that the image staring back at you - shadowed by that grey darkness - is already in the past. It’s fractions of a second old. And because it belongs to the past, you have a choice.
That choice is simple but powerful: you can let that reflection define you, or you can brush it aside. After all, you are the one who decides which filter you look through.
Staring down the concave curve at the peak of a black run, you have a choice.
What you forget is that to reach this moment -to even stand here - you’ve already made a succession of brave choices.
Those choices often begin as things most people see as small: reading an email, filling out an application form of interest. To many, these are simple steps. But are they really simple when the way you take those steps is different from everyone else’s - when injury or disability changes the terrain beneath your feet?
That application form is more than paperwork. It’s the moment a dream begins to harden into a goal. After all, the only real difference between a dream and a goal is the deadline you dare to set yourself.
Through all the hard decisions along this journey, kindness - a friendly face - has sometimes set that goal for you before you even realised you were ready. And those first steps, no matter how small they look from the outside, can be the hardest of all.
But when you link those steps together, they lead somewhere. They lead you into a room filled with like-minded people. Onto a plane that crosses oceans. Onto a ski lift that carries you across mountains - toward the moment where you stand at the top, looking down, realising you’ve already proven you’re capable.
Travelling up the Kenosha Superchair to the top of Peak Six, you sit before the colossal Tenmile Range in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado.
The easy part is standing on the green line, waiting for the next rotation of the chair to come around and whisk you up the mountain. At that point, all risk is taken out of your hands. You rely entirely on the continuous safety checks carried out by the resort staff.
As soon as the lip of the seat hits the crease of your hamstrings and calves, you’re forced to take a seat, and your journey begins. The chair jolts forward and the ascent starts.
At that moment, your filter begins to change. You stop seeing life through a grey tint, and curiosity takes over. You become absorbed by the undulation of the panorama in front of you. You watch people emerge from the various runs they’ve explored - whether from a meandering route cut through the mountain, cocooned in a kaleidoscope of greens, browns, and whites from lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce, Colorado blue spruce, and subalpine fir - like a river following its own design.
And then you remember who you were, what you’ve achieved, and who you still could be.
It brings back the memory of stepping out of a train carriage onto the platform at CTC, overlooking the River Exe estuary at Lympstone - standing with anticipation and excitement, waiting for the next chapter of your life to begin.
As the lift rises higher, the nerves creep in. Your body becomes a cocktail of adrenaline, endorphins, happiness, and fear. It’s enough to make you need a nervous wee. Nervously, you start talking to the person next to you - going against all the advice your parents gave you as a child about talking to strangers.
But is he really a stranger?
He sat in the same coffee bar as you in Heathrow Airport, waiting to board a British Airways flight to Denver. He was on the same transport from Denver Airport to Beaver Run in Breckenridge. And like you, he had written a cheque for an undisclosed amount - his life - for his country. Through some strange turn of events, for some unknown reason, someone had decided to cash part of that cheque, leaving him viewing life through the same filters you did.
In that moment, you realise that despite not sharing the same cap badge, and despite different lengths of service, you have far more in common than the latte you both ordered at Starbucks.
As the chair crests the summit, the safety bar that embraced you throughout the ascent is removed. You are now left with nothing but your own skill, experience, nerve, and determination to make the descent as safely as possible.
To the right of the lift, you see a blue sign: Kenosha Superchair — 12,302 feet
Awaken your sixth sense.
If nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath count, then yes - your sixth sense is well and truly awake. The temperature has dropped dramatically. The wind bites into the exposed flesh of your cheeks, cutting through you like a thousand daggers. Instinctively, you pull your snood up over your chin to cover any exposed skin.
Despite the cold, and despite only knowing the person next to you for a short time, they ask if you’d like a photo together. As long as that photo exists, you are now immortalised in time — like Edmund Hillary on Everest or Sir Ranulph Fiennes crossing the Arctic.
The mirrored reflection of the mountains in your goggles hides the thoughts and emotions you’re really feeling.
As you follow the horizon of the range ahead, you begin to feel its healing power - its mystique. Your thoughts start to slow. Stress dissolves. A sense of wellbeing returns. Once again, that grey filter fades.
As you traverse across the track, adrenaline surges. Descending is easy — gravity will do that.
You just have to be brave enough to make the first turn.
At that moment, you feel like your old self again.
Confidence creeps back in - not loud, not cocky - just enough to remind you that you’re still capable.
You’ve been pushed past what you thought were your limits. Past comfort. Past expectation. And you’re still standing.
By the end of the day, it isn’t the mountain that stays with you.
It’s the human moment.
A warm, almost motherly hug. Kindness from a complete stranger who genuinely wants to know how your day was - not out of politeness, but because they mean it. No agenda. No judgment.
There aren’t words for that kind of gratitude. Not really.
Only the quiet understanding that you were invited into something rare. Something that doesn’t happen often.
A once-in-a-lifetime moment — and somehow, you were there for it.
Thank you.
📣Launching March 2026, The Not Forgotten is proud to unveil TNF Connect, a brand-new app to bring injured and isolated veterans together in a secure and supportive virtual community built just for them.
For more than a century, The Not Forgotten has worked to combat loneliness and isolation among those who have served and continue to serve. This March, our mission starts a new digital chapter.
TNF Connect opens the door to a safe, welcoming digital space where our community can meet, chat, attend live workshops and organise community-based activities together - no matter where they live or what challenges they face.
Developed in partnership with Military App and with generous support from The Forces Trust and The Seafarers’ Charity, TNF Connect combines The Not Forgotten’s long-standing commitment to veterans’ wellbeing with innovative digital technology designed specifically for the military community.
🌟 What TNF Connect Offers
💬 Why It Matters
Many veterans face long-term injury, illness, or isolation that can make everyday connection difficult. TNF Connect ensures no one has to face those challenges alone. It brings the spirit of The Not Forgotten directly into veterans’ homes - offering friendship, understanding, and a renewed sense of belonging.
It doesn’t replace our physical events programme but reinforces it. For those who can’t attend our physical events - whether due to personal circumstances or because we haven’t been able to reach their local area - TNF Connect provides a way to stay involved and feel part of our community. For those who do attend our events, the app creates a space to continue conversations, deepen friendships, and build long-term, meaningful connections long after the day itself has ended.
TNF Connect is more than an app. It’s a community. A conversation. A reminder that no one is forgotten - and no one is alone.
📲 Help us Design and Test
TNF Connect will be available to download from all major App Stores from mid-March – we will supply full download and registration instructions to our beneficiaries nearer the time.
>> Please do not try to download TNF Connect before March!
In the meantime, the app is undergoing rigorous road-testing - and we need your help!
We want to put together a small working group of TNF veterans and supporters to help shape the platform during its pre-launch phase. These early users will play a vital role in road-testing the app, adding and shaping content and forums, providing feedback and helping refine features to ensure the app truly meets the needs of our community.
📣 Want to get involved?
Can you commit 1-2 hours per week during February to April to be part of our TNF Connectors group? Your commitment will involve:
If you would be interested, please email louise@thenotforgotten.org by Friday 30th January with your name, contact number, and a short statement about why you feel you would be well-qualified and/or enthusiastic about being part of our testers group.
We will appoint the TNF Connectors testing panel by Friday 6th February and invite those successful to an online meeting w/c 9th February.
Our much-loved Head of Events Rosie Thompson will be retiring from The Not Forgotten at the end of 2026 after an amazing 28 years' service to the Charity. For her final year, Rosie has devised a '28 for 28' challenge in honour of the 28 years she has dedicated to The Not Forgotten and all the veterans she has had the pleasure of meeting in those 28 years.
Every single week during the whole of 2026 Rosie is walking or running 28 miles - totalling an incredible 1,456 miles by 31 December!
She is being joined in this challenge by 27 veterans, partners and supporters – forming the formidable ‘Team 28 for 28’.
Each member of the team will be walking or running their own 28 miles per week – a real feat of commitment, perseverance and stamina across the year. Their aim is to raise between them a total of £28,000 for The Not Forgotten.
SUPPORT ROSIE AND TEAM 28 FOR 28 TODAY – sponsor their challenge at https://www.justgiving.com/page/rosie-thompson-28-for-28
Let’s make Rosie’s final year at The Not Forgotten one to remember, with a lasting legacy of money raised to fund our life-changing support for veterans.
“Meeting thousands of veterans of all military services over the years has made my 28 years with The Not Forgotten a wonderful, inspiring and humbling journey”, says Rosie. "The inspirational group of 27 veterans and supporters teaming up to join me on ‘28 for 28’ represent all the veterans I have had the privilege of meeting. They want to give something back to a Charity that has supported them over the years and has become like family to them. Your support for our efforts across the whole year will keep us walking and running when the going gets tough!”
In support of Team 28 for 28 we are inviting the wider Not Forgotten community to come up with your own ideas for fundraising to the theme of '28'.
Hold a coffee and cake morning for 28 people, craft 28 cuddly toys, complete 28 walks in 28 cities, host an evening of 28 cocktails, organise a sponsored pub crawl around 28 pubs or 28 rounds of golf….
Any idea goes! There is no pressure to raise huge amounts of money, just whatever you can - it might be £28, £128, £280, £528… any amount is wonderful just so long as the end sum has the figure 28 in it somewhere!
Every 28 for 28 Fundraiser will receive a limited-edition badge and certificate as a thank you for their support.
WANT TO GET INVOLVED? Email fundraising@thenotforgotten.org to tell us your idea and sign up as part of the 28 for 28 Community Challenge.
In November 2025, The Not Forgotten was chosen by The Telegraph as one of four charities supported by their prestigious Christmas Charity Appeal, running from November through to the end of January.
The Appeal is designed to shine a light on the work that we do by telling the stories of the individuals we support and the impact we have had on their lives; as well as reporting on our life-changing events for veterans such as our St James' Palace Reception and our carp fishing respite break to Cornwall.
Telegraph journalists have been all over the country to interview and photograph some of our beneficiaries (including those pictured above). Their stories have been appearing in the Telegraph and will continue to do so until the end of January. Celebrity supporters such as Matt Goss, Anita Harris and Jeremy Vine have also been lending their voice to the campaign.
Rae Scarff, an Army veteran injured in Bosnia, talking about how her life was transformed by our Colorado ski trip
Stu Parker, an Afghanistan veteran injured in a 'friendly fire' incident, and TNF beneficiary since 2010. A Telegraph journalist spent time on our carp fishing respite break to profile Stu and hear his story.
Hari Budha Magar, a Gurkha veteran who since skiing with us in Colorado has gone on to achieve phenomenal personal feats, becoming the first double above-knee amputee to summit Everest last year.
Dorothea Barron, an astonishing 101-year-old WW2 Wren who still teaches a weekly yoga class and has attended many of our recent events as well as promoting our Matt Goss single for VE Day 80.
JJ Adams, an RAF veteran and later a close protection officer in Afghanistan, who has survived bombs, missiles, the fall of the Berlin Wall and a brain aneurysm - but as with so many veterans regards the transition to civilian life her toughest challenge of all.
Harry Winter, a 103-year-old WW2 RAF veteran with an incredible story of survival after being shot down over Germany, and staying in touch over many decades with one of the Germans who held him PoW.
Caroline Beazley
As a young Royal Military Police officer, Caroline was shot at close range, suffering horrendous facial injuries. She tells her inspiring story of rebuilding her life and her self-belief with the help of TNF.
Kevin Stewart, a Scottish veteran who has participated in our major cycling and hiking challenges. Despite physical and mental challenges, Kev is now taking a theology degree and preparing for ordination in the Church of Scotland - another truly inspirational story.
Annette and Irene, WRAC veterans who by chance were seated next to each other at a TNF Christmas Lunch only to realise they had shared a dorm and a friendship in Northern Ireland almost 40 years before. Their rekindled friendship has helped them battle crippling anxiety and isolation.
Danny White, a former Royal Marine who forged a successful career in the City, but struggled reliving the traumas he had witnessed in Northern Ireland. Following a breakdown The Not Forgotten reached out to him and took him skiing, an experience which he says saved his life.
The perspective of a veteran's wife: "The worry doesn’t end when they come home". Dee Golightly and Lauren Charles talk about supporting their husbands through post-service PTSD and mental breakdown - and how The Not Forgotten has provided a lifeline.
Ruth Bourne, a 99-year-old WW2 Wren who served as a top-secret Bletchley Park codebreaker and shared her extraordinary wartime story with us shortly before she sadly passed away in December 2025.
"Now I’m 60, I realise what our veterans put on the line – and what they lost"
Jeremy Vine wrote a fascinating article for the Telegraph especially for us, about the perceptions of veterans amongst the wider public.
"To Gen Z, the heroism of wartime pilots can feel as remote as ancient history – but we can bridge that gap by backing The Not Forgotten"
The Telegraph attended our Christmas Reception at St James' Palace at the end of November and reported on Princess Anne and Sir Tim Laurence joining our veterans there for 'a mind-blowing charity event'.
The Telegraph also attended several of the Christmas Lunches we run all over the UK during December - where veterans can forget for a few hours their struggles with visible or invisible wounds and enjoy Christmas cheer with people who 'get it'.
Alongside this raising of awareness through these powerful articles and storytelling, The Telegraph is calling for online donations to The Not Forgotten - as well as their three other chosen charities Prostate Cancer Research, Canine Partners, and the MND Association. We hope to raise a significant amount to help fund our next year's events programme.
On Sunday 7th December The Telegraph ran a one-day phone in to take donations. Some of The Not Forgotten team - along with actress/singer and TNF supporter Anita Harris - went along to Telegraph HQ to help man the phones, and the phone-in raised a record-breaking £125,000, to be split between the four charities.
Telegraph readers raise record £125,000 in Christmas charity appeal
This Friday, 12th December, sees the release of a very special Christmas music single - As My Guns Fall Silent. This beautiful, haunting song was written by the incredible World War Two D-Day veteran Donald Rose - pictured above.
Donald, at an astonishing 110 years old, was the oldest man (and oldest veteran) in the UK until his death in July 2025 - and he loved music with a passion. He wrote the song following his wartime experiences fighting with the 2/7th Queens Royal Regiment. He would often sing it to his carers at Canal Vue Care Home in Derby.
Since Donald passed away, his carer Naomi Allsop has worked tirelessly with professional producer Matt Henshaw to bring Donald's song to life and share it with the world - with all proceeds going to veterans' charities The Not Forgotten and the Royal British Legion.
Naomi (pictured below with Donald) picks up the story:
"Donald served from the start to the very end of World War Two, surviving the unimaginable. Despite all he endured, Donald humbly said, “I did what I had to do,” and he rarely spoke about the war, though it haunted his nights.
After the war ended, Donald wrote a heartfelt song that he sang with pride. Everyone at Canal Vue heard it regularly, and we loved it."
"Music was Donald’s one true love — it was everything to him. He loved singing, listening to brass bands, and more, right up until he passed away this year at 110 years old."
"Donald and I had many adventures together, ticking off everything on his bucket list in his final few years. The last wish I had for him was to turn his song into a single for people to listen to and appreciate. I played his song to many people, then late last year I finally found someone interested. A talented local producer named Matt Henshaw took it upon himself to turn Donald’s song into a single. Matt transformed Donald’s raw singing into something extraordinary - which we are so, so proud to now share with the world."
"This song is dedicated to all veterans and those currently serving — a heartfelt tribute to their bravery and sacrifice."
Donald fought with the 2/7th Queens Royal Regiment (West Surrey), famously known as "The Black Cats," part of the 169 Brigade of the 7th Armoured Division.
His courage was recognised with medals including the 1939-1945 Star, the France and Germany Star, the Africa Star with 8th Army Bar, the Italy Star, the War Medal 1939-45, and the prestigious Legion D'Honneur.
Donald was a familiar face to The Not Forgotten; he attended our Royal reception at St James' Palace in December 2024, our entertainers performed at his care home on many occasions, and we helped bring various moments of joy to his final years - from filming with The BBC One Show and Al Murray for VE Day 80, to having a luxury wet shave from Truefitt & Hill, the oldest barbers in the UK.
We are thrilled therefore that all proceeds from streaming and downloads of the song will go to The Not Forgotten and the Royal British Legion.
Donald's song When My Guns Fall Silent is released on Friday 12th December 2025 and will be available to stream or download on all music streaming services.
For many years, The Not Forgotten has shared an Annual Review of our work. This year, we’ve taken a fresh approach - publishing an Impact Report; a sharper, more focused look at how we’ve delivered against our mission.
This Impact Report shows the real difference your participation and generosity make. It’s more than numbers - it’s proof that together we change lives.
Our Impact 2024-25: Together, we’ve made an incredible difference to the Armed Forces community
This year reflects the power of The Not Forgotten community.
Thanks to your unwavering commitment, we’ve continued to combat loneliness and isolation amongst veterans and service personnel living with injury and illness - restoring dignity, independence and joy to those who have given so much for our country.
We’ve achieved milestones that truly matter:
But the true measure of success is in the lives you’ve helped transform:
Our Impact Report 2024-25 is a story of hope, progress, and partnership. Every achievement you’ll read about is a direct result of your commitment to our mission and your participation in our community.
Every story, every smile, every moment of connection is thanks to you. As we look ahead, the need remains great - but so does our determination. With your continued support, we can reach even more veterans who feel forgotten and remind them they are valued, respected and never alone.
Thank you for standing with us.
Richard Walker OBE
Chief Executive of The Not Forgotten
Every year the Telegraph selects four highly deserving charities to support across the festive period, encouraging their readers to donate online throughout November-January and via a public phone-in on Sunday 7th December.
We are thrilled to have been selected this year alongside Prostate Cancer Research, Canine Partners and the Motor Neurone Disease Association.
To encourage donations the Telegraph will run a range of stories in their print and digital publications throughout November and December about the work of The Not Forgotten. Journalists from the Telegraph have been busy over the past month interviewing some of our veterans and celebrity supporters and attending our events. They’ll be telling our story across their channels from now until January – so look out for familiar faces championing our cause!
The Telegraph’s festive philanthropy dates back more than a hundred years – even predating The Not Forgotten itself. The newspaper's tradition of reader-supported Christmas fundraising began during World War I - in 1916 readers’ donations supplied three million plum puddings for British soldiers in the trenches on Christmas Day!
The Christmas Appeal in its current format has been running since 1986, raising over £31 million pounds for hundreds of charities over 40 years; inspiring readers and impacting many millions of lives.
The Telegraph announced today:
"With a storied history dating back more than 100 years, the Telegraph Christmas Charity Appeal’s impactful legacy has inspired readers and staff alike. This year, we have chosen four charities whose work speaks to the very spirit of Christmas - offering support, connection and hope to those facing devastating illness or adapting to life with a disability and those who have served our country with duty and honour.
Christmas is a time for compassion, for community and for kindness. As we come together to celebrate the festive season we must also do our part for the people who sorely need our help to put some joy and cheer back into the world. Every year, you respond to our charity appeal with outstanding generosity. We humbly ask the same of you in 2025."
Richard Walker, Chief Executive of The Not Forgotten said:
“We are immensely honoured to have been chosen for the Telegraph Appeal this year, and it comes at a pivotal time. Many veterans we support are facing deepening isolation and financial hardship in today’s climate, as well as the enduring impact of their physical and psychological wounds. In our increasingly connected and fast-paced world where traditional communities and support systems are disappearing, too many are being left behind - digitally excluded, socially disconnected and emotionally adrift.
The support of Telegraph readers will help us reach and reconnect those veterans - enabling us to sustain our unique programme of events and support. With your help we will bring people together through meaningful, healing, in-person experiences that foster connection and belonging, as well digital outreach across the country and the generations to restore purpose, dignity and joy. Thank you for your support in transforming lives and for reminding those who have served that they still matter.”
In previous years the Telegraph Christmas Charity Appeal has raised half a million pounds
Shared between the four charities, this is a substantial amount we should receive, enabling us to sustain and build our unique programme of events and support in the coming year and helping us reach and reconnect thousands of veterans who need our support and community.
Not to mention raising the profile of The Not Forgotten and spreading the word about our vital work to over one million readers of the Telegraph.
But we need your help!
Please tell everyone you know about the Telegraph Christmas Appeal this festive season…
The Appeal runs from 1st November right through to the end of January, so look out for articles and interviews featuring The Not Forgotten and enjoy reading about the life-changing impact we have on 10,000 veterans and serving personnel every year.
We’ll share the coverage on our digital channels – please share onwards far and wide and encourage everyone you know to share, to talk about our work and to donate to the Christmas Charity Appeal.
Every pound raised will go directly to helping those who gave so much for others. We remain determined that no veteran is forgotten - and the Telegraph Christmas Appeal will help us reach further, faster and with greater impact than ever before.
Read more about the Telegraph Christmas Appeal 2025
The Not Forgotten is deeply saddened by the passing of Admiral of the Fleet Sir Benjamin Bathurst GCB DL, who died peacefully in Gibraltar on Sunday 12 October 2025, aged 89.
Sir Benjamin retired as Senior President of The Not Forgotten in February this year, having served with distinction since 2000. His wise counsel, enduring presence, and deep understanding of service life shaped the tone and traditions of our charity in ways that will long be felt. As President, he presided over fifty Royal events, often in the presence of our Patron, HRH The Princess Royal and senior members of the Royal Family. Affectionately known as ‘Sir Ben’, he brought grace, continuity and dignity to occasions that uplifted thousands of veterans and service personnel.
Sir Ben’s impact was subtle but deeply influential as the charity navigated a changing world and in particular a changing Defence and veteran landscape. He helped guide The Not Forgotten so that those we support felt valued and their service recognised. Our community is profoundly grateful for his years of thoughtful stewardship and the strength and dignity he brought to our charity.
We extend our sincere condolences to Lady Bathurst and Sir Ben’s family. He will be remembered with admiration, affection and gratitude.
This September, The Not Forgotten in proud partnership with Freemasons across England delivered five spectacular Drive-In Concerts, bringing music, joy, and connection to hundreds of veterans living with injury, illness, and isolation.
Hosted at Lulworth Castle (Dorset Freemasons), Brinsop Court Manor House (Herefordshire Freemasons), Syon Park (Middlesex Freemasons), Idlerocks Farm (Staffordshire Freemasons), and Grimsthorpe Castle (Lincolnshire Freemasons), these events confirmed why the Freemasons Grand Lodge (UGLE) has recently been awarded the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award for outstanding support to the military community.
Spectacular events at historic venues across the country
The gatherings were held nationwide during the week, with Freemasons in each Province stepping in to assist. The structuring of these events was initiated by Jamie Gwatkin the Second Provincial Grand Principal of Suffolk and one of the UGLE leads for the Armed Forces Covenant. He engaged with Armed Forces Lodges who jointly organised and led the support at each location. The events were jointly funded by generous donations from each Provincial Charity, the Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF), and The Not Forgotten charity. Each of the first-class historic venues were generously supplied by the owners free of charge who even threw in prizes for the raffle.
Freemasons, in their distinctive high-visibility jackets, welcomed veterans, assisted with setup and parking arrangements, served refreshments, distributed meals to attendees, and finally joined in the fun. Catering was provided by Beigel Bar Brick Lane, offering gourmet bagels, vegetarian options, and sweet treats – proving popular with both veterans and Freemasons alike.
Entertainment included a Freddie Mercury tribute act, performances by Max Fox of Britain’s Got Talent fame, a lively game of “Singo-Bingo”, and singing from Annie Riley – Entertainments Officer for The Not Forgotten.
A boost to confidence money can’t buy
To many of the veterans attending, this was not just an entertaining afternoon out, it was a mental lift and a boost to confidence money can’t buy. Feeling valued for their service and spending time in a safe, supportive community of other veterans who understand them and their experiences. Others could sit back in the safety of their cars and feel the sense of achievement in simply leaving the house and attending an event.
“The highlight of our year”
For the Masonic volunteers, the most rewarding part was the feedback from the veterans. There were hundreds of reactions and posts on social media after the week, which included:
“It was a fabulous day filled with smiles, music, and connections, and was a reminder of just how important community and shared experiences are. One of the best parts was the atmosphere. People of shared service backgrounds of all different ages enjoying a day together, where no one felt left out or forgotten. There was definitely a real sense of belonging and I felt really lucky to be part of it”
Story from Staffordshire: Anne and Gaz
Every year, one interaction really highlights why it is so important to deliver these events. Whilst talking to Annie Riley (Entertainments Officer) she said:
“For me, the standout example of the good these events bring was Anne & Gaz, a Mother and Son who have had a horrendous 20 years. Anne explained that Gaz (RAF Veteran) had a car accident 20 years ago and was left with a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). She has since spent 20 years fighting for her son’s needs and burst into tears as she told me her story. She felt as though she hadn't been listened to in 20 years. Rosie Thompson (Head of Events) had already identified this Mother and Son to me before they arrived, as Anne had been having conversations with Karlie in the office, so we were able to get them together with people in their area. I also asked Julia the former High Sheriff to help as she has support networks in the region that can help……Julia promised to personally visit Anne & Gaz the following week to get things started.
After a wonderful afternoon dancing (Both Mother and Son!) Anne said to me as she was leaving "I feel like it's the first time in 20 years that I have been heard!" and again burst into tears. Personally, I think as a parent she was worried that Gaz would have no support network if anything happened to her. And thanks to our event, that is no longer the case.”
Richard Walker, Chief Executive of The Not Forgotten said:
“We are extremely grateful to the Freemasons for their generosity, hospitality, and boots-on-the-ground support. Together, we’ve not only entertained—we’ve transformed lives. This programme helps to further our joint strategic ambition to engage communities in need and we are committed to helping expand our collective reach and deepen our social impact.”
We are all familiar with the commemoration of VE Day and the stories of joy and relief as victory in Europe was announced on 8th May 1945. But the reality was that for many thousands of British and Commonwealth service personnel and their families, World War Two was not over in May.
The war in Asia and the Pacific, which had erupted in 1941 after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbour, carried on throughout May, June, July and early August of 1945. Thousands upon thousands of British and Commonwealth troops from all corners of the world were deployed in a brutal struggle against Japan across a vast geographic area from India to Hawaii, Papua New Guinea to the borders of Northern China and the Soviet Union.
The British Pacific fleet (sometimes regarded 'the forgotten fleet') played a key role, and from early 1945 British aircraft carriers, battleships and cruisers joined American forces to launch assaults on Japanese strongholds.
Our troops faced punishing conditions at sea, on icy mountains, through deep jungle and searing tropical heat. Those captured by the enemy faced the horror of Japanese prisoner of war camps, forced labour on the infamous Burma railway, in factories and mines; facing inhumane conditions and tropical disease.
On the 6th and 9th August the US detonated two atomic bombs over the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. On 15th August Emperor Hirohito announced the surrender of the Empire of Japan, leading to celebrations known as ‘Victory in Japan’ or ‘VJ’ Day – the formal ceremony of surrender took place a couple of weeks later on 2nd September 1945, aboard the battleship USS Missouri, in Tokyo Bay. British troops carried on assisting with the ‘clear up’ in Asia and the Pacific, transporting POWs to Australia, stabilising new states and stunned cities, undertaking policing duties.
When personnel were finally demobbed and returned to Britain in 1946 and early 1947 they found a country trying to move on, with a new government and a new outlook, focused on progress in peace, not reflecting on war. No longer in a mood to celebrate returning heroes who had fought war in too distant places and been through experiences too alien to comprehend.
“The people who invaded Normandy, they had stories to tell. Pilots at Biggin Hill, they had stories to tell. What stories did we have to tell? People weren’t really interested. They just left us to get on with our lives...”
George Housego, World War Two veteran and Japanese prisoner-of-war"I put that time down to being the very worst fear I've ever had. It was frightening."
Ken Tinkler, World War Two Royal Navy veteran, serving in the Pacific and Tokyo Bay on VJ Day
This week at The Not Forgotten we want to shine a light on this often-overlooked ‘forgotten’ period of World War Two, and the stories of several World War Two veterans who experienced it.
Ken Tinkler served in the Royal Navy as a radar operator throughout the Pacific campaign and was in Tokyo Bay for the Japanese surrender in August and September 1945. His ship the HMS Quadrant conducted air sea rescue work as British bombers limped back to the aircraft carriers, and had to enter Tokyo Harbour in August 1945 very fearful as to whether the harbour had been mined.
The ship then faced the extraordinary task of going round all the small islands of Tokyo Bay informing the dangerously armed Japanese 'kamikaze' torpedo boat crews that the war was over. She also escorted Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser to the signing of the Japanese surrender aboard the USS Missouri on 2nd September, and the surrender of Hong Kong on 16th September; as well as transporting the Japanese Emperor from Miyajima Island. Ken witnessed firsthand the devastation of the Allies' atomic bombs when visiting Hiroshima and Nagasaki in their aftermath in September 1945, and assisted in evacuating prisoners-of-war from the Japanese camps - "they had been terribly treated". He didn't return to the UK until February 1947.
"I put that time down to being the very worst fear I've ever had. It was frightening."
George Housego was serving with the Royal Artillery in Java in March 1941 fighting to protect Dutch forces from the advancing enemy. He was forced to surrender and and taken prisoner of war by the Japanese. He was moved as a prisoner to Nagasaki in 1943 when during the voyage the ship was torpedoed. George spent what he described as “12 hours of freedom” clinging on to a piece of wood in the China Sea before a Japanese shipping boat picked him up. He was put to work in a Japanese factory in appalling conditions until 1945; he was then ransferred to an Omine coal pit just weeks before the atomic bomb hit his factory. When he eventually returned home after the war ended, he weighed just six stone. George died in February 2015.
"Just to be free was euphoria. I’ve always considered myself very, very lucky to survive.”
The video below features a portrait and interview created by artist David Tucker in 2013. He said: "I will always remember the smile on George’s face, the gentle handshake and the kindness in his eyes when he entered the room. Little did I know of the life those eyes must have seen, until I sat down and began his interview. We sat transfixed with his truly astonishing, yet harrowing, experiences. He spoke with such matter-of-factness, but I could see the emotion was sat just behind his eyes. They say the window to someone’s soul is through the eyes and this I believe to be the case with George. A man who had seen the darkest side of mankind and in the same breath, the strength, courage, camaraderie and kindness to survive it."
Ruth Barnwell, who served with the Women's Royal Naval Service, herself demobbed in late 1945 but like thousands of families had to anxiously await news of her fiancée fighting out in the Far East.
“We just had to wait; we weren't getting many letters through - they would take a month or more to come. We didn’t know if he would come back. The last letter he wrote he said: ‘we shall soon be on our way back’ but that was it.”
It’s finally happening! After months of planning, we’re thrilled that this week sees the first of our Regional Connect Weeks kick off as our team of entertainers, caterers, TNF staff and volunteers hits the South West Region!
Our Regional Connect Weeks are our bold new idea for the 105th anniversary year of The Not Forgotten. In honour of this, and from listening to your feedback, we are doing events a little differently this summer and right through til next March.
We are focusing on one region of the UK at a time, delivering a full week of activities, events, and engagement to bring each regional community together, reach new friends, and show the full strength of what The Not Forgotten offers.
Where are we coming to?
☀️South West England - 9-13 June - Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dartmoor
☀️North West England - 23-27 June - Lancaster, Blackpool, Aintree, Carlisle, and Lake District
☀️Wales - 14-18 July - North Wales, Eryri (Snowdonia), Caerphilly and Bridgend
☀️South East England - 28 July - 1 August - Essex, Kent, East Sussex
☀️Scotland - 1-5 September - Glasgow, Edinburgh, River Spey
☀️North and East England - 23-27 March 2026
☀️Northern Ireland - 30 March - 3 April 2026
If we haven't quite hit your area don't worry! We will be bringing Christmas Lunches to areas not visited in the list above, and we'll be building more programmes around new regions in years to come.
What events are we hosting?
In each region we are holding a:
☀️Fun Fest - part village fete, part sports day, part concert and afternoon tea
☀️Garden Party - drinks, afternoon tea and entertainment in beautiful locations
☀️Community Afternoon Tea Concert - light tea and entertainment, music and camaraderie
☀️Challenge Event - try your hand at hiking, cycling, canoeing and abseiling
☀️Concerts in local care homes
☀️Fundraising collections at supermarkets and events
Any of our beneficiaries and their guests in each region can attend - all you have to do is register your interest on our events pages.
(Make sure you are registered as a TNF beneficiary first! If not, get your name on our books HERE)
We'd love to see as many of you as possible over the next nine months at a location near you!
And... if you have any ideas for future Regional Connect Weeks let us know! Perhaps you own a venue or local business, can facilitate a challenge event, offer catering, volunteer for supermarket collections or can link us with a local veterans breakfast club or care home. Get in touch on info@thenotforgotten.org
Richard Walker OBE, Chief Executive of The Not Forgotten, said:
"We’re a small team with a big heart, serving a vast and diverse veteran community—from 20 to 110 years old, across all three Services and the Merchant Navy. Whilst we've always done our best to reach as many people around the UK as possible, we were conscious of feedback over recent years that beneficiaries felt we weren't coming to 'their area' or they didn't know about events near them. So... we've made a strategic delivery decision this year to come out to every region over the next 9 months. It's a big task, but one we're very excited about in our 105th year.
At the same time we've modernised with a clearer, more transparent communications plan, a friendlier, more professional website, a live events portal where you can apply for national and regional events, and regular updates via social media and blogs.
We've made some important strategic partnerships with organisations, businesses and volunteers in the regions to help support this delivery.
But we also need you - our veterans, serving beneficiaries and supporters. This is your moment. Find an event near you, get involved, apply to attend on our Events page or volunteer on our volunteer page.
Let’s make 2025, our 105th anniversary year, unforgettable.
Thank you for being part of The Not Forgotten family.
With gratitude,
Colonel (Ret'd) Richard Walker OBE, Chief Executive, The Not Forgotten"
Don't forget, alongside our Regional Connect Weeks we are also delivering our full programme of support all year, which includes:
⛵ Sailing adventures
🎶 Drive-in concerts
🎾 Tennis at Wimbledon, rugby at Twickenham, horse racing and polo
🍰Afternoon Teas
🎿 Skiing trips
🏰 Royal events
🏎 Track Day at Brands Hatch
🐝 Beekeeping experience days
🌅 Respite breaks to Devon, France, and Majorca
🌺 Remembrance Day at the Cenotaph
…and so much more. Find them all HERE