The ‘Amazing’ Not Forgotten Wins Lifetime Achievement Award for 100 Years of Armed Forces Support
Armed Forces charity, The Not Forgotten has won a Lifetime Achievement award, after a century of supporting servicemen and women.
The national organisation was recognised at the Soldiering On Awards for epitomising ‘the very best of the Armed Forces Community’ and those who serve it.
The award was presented by Lt Gen Richard Nugee as part of an online broadcast from BFBS Studios, and was received by veteran and Not Forgotten beneficiary, Johnnie Ray.
The Not Forgotten has offered entertainment, and challenge holidays to wounded and ill military personnel and veterans since 1920; improving their wellbeing and confidence, and preventing isolation and loneliness.
The Not Forgotten’s CEO, Brig. James Stopford CBE said: “This Lifetime Achievement Award is a great honour for The Not Forgotten in acknowledging 100 years of service to the Armed Forces.
“In such a bleak year, it really is hugely appreciated and valued by us.
“This award is a reflection of the outstanding efforts of our team, and the hard work of the many great staff and volunteers who have supported us over the past 100 years.”
“But it is also a mark of the collaboration of many in the military charity community. Together we can and are making a real difference to those who have served and now need our support.”
Typically, The Not Forgotten offers benefits including concerts, outings, respite holidays, TVs and TV Licences. Since 1921 they have also hosted two annual Royal events; a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace and Christmas Party at St James’s Palace for 3,000 individuals.
In a year that has brought unprecedented challenges to charities across the country, The Not Forgotten was forced to replace many of its events with socially distanced support for its beneficiaries.
Since the start of lockdown, the charity has made over-the-phone wellbeing check-ins to 800 beneficiaries, produced 30 online concerts, sent over 1,800 custom-made activity booklets and jigsaw puzzles to veterans, and delivered 62 outdoor concerts to over 2,800 people across the UK.
As part of their most recent project, The Not Forgotten are urging the public to help them find and thank World War II veterans, by sending them a ‘Forgot You Not’ gift box.
Veterans or a representative can register for a ‘Forgot You Not’ gift box here.
Brig. Stopford added: “I’m grateful to have a team that continues to adapt to meet the needs of our beneficiaries, no matter the obstacles. That quality is vital now more than ever.
“Going forward, this acknowledgement from the Soldiering On Awards will inspire us to enter our second centenary with even greater vigour.
“And we hope that the exposure and prestige that it brings will enable us to support more beneficiaries, and make sure that no serviceman or woman is left isolated and alone.”
The Soldiering On Awards are a brand of X-Forces. They recognise the outstanding achievements of those who have served their country, and the diverse people and groups who work together in support of the Armed Forces Community.
