Meet Our 2025 Finalists

After losing her son in Afghanistan in 2010, Julie founded a charity dedicated to supporting veterans and serving personnel. She opens her home to up to three veterans at a time, providing long-term accommodation, furniture, and mental health or addiction support. Julie also helps them secure training, jobs, and independent housing. Operating 24/7, she is always available for those in need, offering unwavering care and compassion. Julie’s efforts extend to establishing a veterans' center, which will offer emergency housing, mental health services, food banks, benefits advice, and drop-in classes, demonstrating her extraordinary commitment to the Armed Forces community.

Ashleigh is a devoted mother of four who, despite facing significant personal challenges, dedicates herself to supporting the Armed Forces community with unwavering commitment. As RAF Benson Choir Lead, she has created a safe and welcoming space for members to connect, support one another, and enjoy music. Through her leadership, the choir has raised over £600 and organized numerous events to sustain its activities. Ashleigh also volunteers at the station’s thrift shop, contributing to community improvement efforts. Her determination, positivity, and selflessness inspire those around her, demonstrating her deep dedication to both her family and the wider military community.

Abby is an inspiring wife, mother, friend, and role model who dedicates herself to supporting her family and the Forces community. A registered mental health nurse, therapist, and medical educator, she delivers specialist military-focused mental health seminars and volunteers with the AFF to support families on camp. Starting in 2025, she will launch free family-focused mental health classes while continuing to offer therapies to those in need. Despite raising three children, including a newborn, managing hospital visits, and pursuing her PhD, Abby never misses her children's activities. Her selflessness, resilience, and tireless commitment to others are truly remarkable.

Alfie-Jon, a 10-year-old autistic boy and son of an RAF Survival Equipment Technician, has brought joy to thousands through his heartfelt passion for post. Since 2021, he has handwritten and delivered over 3,000 cards to military families, veterans, and care home residents during Christmas, Easter, and Valentine’s Day. His selfless mission began at RAF Benson, where he delivered 600 Christmas cards, and continues at RAF Henlow, even crafting 100 cards for veterans attending a Christmas dinner. Recognized by the Chief of Air Staff and Royal Mail, Alfie-Jon’s dedication spreads love and connection, showcasing extraordinary kindness and community spirit.

Maddison, an 11-year-old military child and daughter of a REME serviceman, has shown remarkable determination and resilience despite being born with bilateral hip dysplasia. Defying early medical predictions, she began walking at just 11 months and has since raised over £2,400 for military charities, including the Royal British Legion, Little Troopers, and the REME Charity. Since the age of 7, Maddison has completed numerous physical challenges, including poppy runs, 10km walks, and "Lifting the Decks" events. Her efforts highlight her dedication to helping others and raising awareness for military charities, proving that no challenge is too great to overcome.

Eleanor, a 16-year-old with a passion for reading, has been volunteering at the Army library at Aldergrove Flying Station for the past 18 months. She has mastered library systems, organized books, created engaging displays, and recommended titles to younger members. Her patience, kindness, and enthusiasm have inspired younger children to become mini library assistants, fostering a love for reading and learning. Despite personal challenges, Eleanor has become an integral part of the library team, helping staff and visitors alike with tasks and guidance. Her dedication, positive influence, and selflessness make her a role model and a valued community member.

Emily is a dedicated and inspiring military wife who has transformed the RAF community through her generosity, leadership, and drive. At RAF High Wycombe, she founded the Adventure Wing, offering women opportunities to connect, grow, and try activities like wild swimming, climbing, and paddleboarding, empowering them to find joy and confidence. As Sustainability Lead for the Forces Wives Challenge, Emily ensures initiatives align with UN Sustainable Development Goals, combining growth with positive impact. Now on a three-year posting in the US, her thoughtful contributions continue to be cherished by the community she united, inspiring others to thrive through military life.Description goes here

Kim has dedicated over 22 years as a military spouse to supporting her family and community with unwavering commitment. Now in Catterick Garrison, she fosters community engagement by volunteering over 850 hours annually, including work with the Bramble Woods project and The Bread and Butter Thing food bank. Kim distributes food to those in need through local shelters and the Olio app, listing over 6,500 items. As Chair of Hipswell Parish Council, she has spent 16 years championing local wellbeing. Known for her kindness and fairness, Kim inspires and uplifts those around her, bridging military and civilian communities with compassion.

Steve, a veteran of the Royal Corps of Signals, has raised over £60,000 for military charities while tirelessly supporting ex-servicemen, women, and their families. He arranges funerals for veterans without family, ensuring they receive a proper military send-off, often serving as a standard bearer and organizing motorbike escorts. Steve founded a veterans’ breakfast club and expanded a Royal Signals bikers group to over 1,000 members, fostering connection and mental health support. Despite his own health challenges, he organizes charity events, festivals, and provides crucial assistance to those struggling with PTSD or loss, leaving a profound impact on the military community.

Jilly, Assistant Director of Fundraising at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, turned personal tragedy into advocacy. Following her husband's terminal brain cancer diagnosis and death after his sixth Afghanistan tour, Jilly faced eviction, pension battles, and limited military support while raising two young daughters. Determined to improve support for bereaved military families, she founded Beyond the Wire CIC. BtW provides practical help, research, and advocacy to address systemic issues. Jilly collaborates with government officials, businesses, and military groups to champion change, ensuring bereaved families receive the empathy and resources they deserve. Her strength and dedication inspire those around her.

Lyla, an 11-year-old diagnosed with a brain stem tumor at age 3, has undergone over 20 major brain surgeries, countless MRI scans, and intensive rehabilitation. Despite these challenges, she has raised over £100,000 for charities, climbed mountains, and walked 1 million steps in a month to inspire others. In 2021, Lyla founded her own charity to support children and families through diagnoses, providing holidays and days out. Her dedication earned her the Service Child Award and an invitation to Buckingham Palace. Lyla's positivity, resilience, and commitment to helping others make her a true inspiration and role model for all.

Nicole, the wife of an RN submariner at HMNB Clyde, has faced immense challenges, including the tragic loss of her infant son, Ben, in 2012, which led to severe PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Despite this, she founded Our Missing Peace to support bereaved parents worldwide. In recent years, Nicole has overcome flooding disasters that devastated her family home, undertaking the extensive repairs herself alongside caring for her autistic son. Currently pursuing a law degree, she remains a beacon of resilience, inspiring others with her positivity, compassion, and motto, "brew by brew," reminding everyone to take life one step at a time.

The Armed Forces Education Trust provides essential financial support to service children and veterans' families, addressing educational disruptions caused by mobility and parental deployments. Children with SEND needs are particularly vulnerable. Despite being a small charity, it has awarded £1.5 million in grants over three years, aiding 90 individuals, 800 schools, and 8,000 children. Its flexible approach ensures timely assistance, fostering educational continuity. Through collaboration with charities, Local Authorities, and schools, the Trust actively supports the Armed Forces community, ensuring service children thrive academically and reinforcing its role as a vital pillar of support for military families.

Families' Activity Breaks (FAB) provides fully funded, week-long activity camps for bereaved military families, offering a vital respite from grief and everyday challenges. These camps create a safe, supportive environment where families can connect with others who understand their experiences, fostering lifelong friendships and a sense of belonging. Staffed entirely by dedicated volunteers, each family is paired with a military mentor to maintain their connection to the Armed Forces community. FAB’s activities promote confidence, resilience, and healing, giving families cherished memories and a renewed sense of hope. Led by Major Karen Tait MBE, there is a team of volunteers who are the backbone of FAB, allowing us to transform lives and honours fallen heroes.

Reading Force is a unique charity dedicated to supporting military families through the power of shared reading. By providing free books, scrapbooks, and teen journals to children and families worldwide, the charity helps strengthen connections during deployments, relocations, and other challenges of military life. Last year, Reading Force distributed over 4,600 books and 10,000 resources to families, including those with additional needs. Their initiatives, such as book clubs for adults and partnerships with military charities, foster community and reduce isolation. Inspirational projects like author visits and writing competitions create lasting, transformative experiences for Armed Forces children and their families.

Annalise and Sadie Marie created Even Keel, a podcast and online community dedicated to supporting Royal Navy spouses and partners, particularly those living away from bases and feeling isolated. Launched in 2024, the podcast tackles key aspects of Navy life, such as solo parenting, deployments, and mental health, while fostering a welcoming, inclusive space. Their initiative includes Instagram, a WhatsApp support group, deployment planners (supporting RNRMC), and community events. With over 1.6k followers and a rapidly growing reach, Even Keel has positively impacted countless families across all military branches, offering connection, support, and understanding in the unique challenges of military life. In their latest series, Even Keel were thrilled to be sponsored by the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, and have enjoyed working closely with them in order to reach as many families as possible.

Sophie and Kirsha co-host Pad Wives Assemble, a podcast giving military families a voice. With humour, advice, and real talk, they tackle deployments, solo parenting, and constant moves. In just eight months, they’ve reached 36 countries, gained 70,000 weekly Spotify impressions, and raised £1,000 for Scotty’s Little Soldiers. They’ve created planners to support military families and donate £1 per merchandise sale to charity. Their Volunteer Programme offers military-connected individuals experience, training, and references. Featured in Army & You and The Garrison Magazine, they also share advice on BFBS Radio, fostering connection and support for military spouses and families.

Sarah, a Royal Navy wife and mother of three, inspires the military community by sharing honest insights into forces family life. Through her Deployment Diaries on YouTube and heartfelt homecoming videos, she highlights the resilience, challenges, and joys of military life. Despite living far from family, she has built a supportive and positive environment for her children while managing work and deployments, including her husband’s fourth deployment in three years. Passionate about raising awareness of military kids' experiences, Sarah's openness and positivity have helped many feel less alone and better understood, showcasing the strength of military families.

The Forces Additional Needs & Disability Forum (FANDF), established 35 years ago, is a volunteer-led tri-service group supporting Armed Forces families with additional needs and disabilities. Run by individuals with personal experience, FANDF advocates for better resources, awareness, and policy changes, benefiting nearly 1,000 members. Through collaborations with MOD officials, charities, and service providers, FANDF addresses challenges such as access to education, healthcare, and social services. Highlights include local events, advocacy campaigns, and the biennial FANDF Conference. Supported by SSAFA, FANDF’s dedicated committee continues to empower families and drive systemic change within the Armed Forces community.

Emily is the heart of the RAF community, creating safe spaces for women to connect, grow, and thrive. Founder of the “Adventure Wing” at RAF High Wycombe, she inspired military wives and partners through activities like wild swims, mountain biking, and weekends away, fostering fitness, confidence, and camaraderie. Emily's efforts, including gaining leadership and first aid qualifications, ensured everyone felt welcome, regardless of experience. A Forces Wives Challenge volunteer, she implemented sustainable practices aligned with UN goals. Recently posted to America, her community celebrates her friendship, selflessness, and dedication, making her a deserving nominee for Advocate of the Year.

Andover College, part of the Sparsholt College Group, is a beacon of support for Armed Forces families, addressing their unique challenges with tailored educational programmes, flexible learning pathways, and personalised support. Located in a military-rich region, the college collaborates with local organisations like the Army Welfare Service to provide academic mentoring, wellbeing services, and pastoral care. Initiatives like the Military Families Forum foster inclusion, while career fairs and flexible study options ensure continuity for students facing relocation. Through advocacy, strong partnerships, and community engagement, Andover College creates opportunities and inspires resilience in Armed Forces families, setting a gold standard in education.

Ashley has made an exceptional contribution to the Armed Forces community in Northern Ireland through her creativity and generosity. After facing isolation upon relocating, Ashley rediscovered her passion for crafting and used it to support others. She led crafting sessions for military families, providing a safe space to connect and express emotions while fostering strong community ties. Through her Facebook page, Not Just for Valentines, Ashley sells handcrafted items, donating proceeds to causes like the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Her thoughtful gestures, such as creating 40 personalised mugs for 5 Army Air Corps, exemplify her dedication to uplifting the military community.

Hannah has built a thriving beauty business from her military home, offering eyebrow, facial, and makeup services to her local community and beyond. Despite frequent relocations, including overseas, she has adapted her business to each location, creating professional, tranquil spaces while balancing family life with three children and her husband’s deployments. Her services have provided a sense of relaxation and support to clients, fostering strong community bonds. Active on social media, Hannah has grown her business to over 1,000 followers, gaining recognition from high-profile professionals. Her adaptability, dedication, and community involvement make her an inspiring role model.

At just 24, Samantha, the founder of Xtreme Studios at RAF Akrotiri, has transformed opportunities for the military community. With a first-class degree in dance and qualifications in gymnastics, swimming, and cheerleading, she created a thriving club offering classes for children as young as 15 months. Since 2022, Xtreme Studios has grown to 160 athletes, 15 adult cheerleaders, and five coaches, hosting performances, competitions, and community events. Her motto, "Creating opportunities where opportunities don’t exist," resonates through her work, providing a safe, inclusive space for social and athletic growth. Representing Team England in cheerleading, she inspires athletes to achieve their dreams.

Kellie has made an extraordinary impact during her assignment to Kathmandu, Nepal, overcoming significant challenges to enrich the British Gurkhas Nepal (BGN) and local communities. She revitalised the BGN library and established a Welfare Community Hub, creating welcoming spaces for learning and connection. Her popular painting classes have nurtured creativity and fostered community spirit, benefiting over 95 individuals. Kelly also spearheaded charity initiatives, including organising the "Run BGN Run" event and managing the Thrift Shop, raising substantial funds for SSAFA and local causes. Her selflessness, leadership, and dedication have greatly enhanced the lives of many and exemplify the spirit of the Away from Home Award.

Luke’s dedication and resilience in the face of personal tragedy have profoundly impacted both the military and wider communities. Following the loss of his daughter Lily, who passed away at six weeks old due to Infantile Epilepsy, Luke worked tirelessly to improve obstetric care for expectant mothers and newborns in Cyprus. Collaborating with Commander Med and military personnel, he helped identify and implement changes to ensure families are better informed and supported, with high-risk pregnancies encouraged to return to the UK. Additionally, Luke has raised over £5,000 for Rainbows Children's Hospice, including leading a 24-mile Falklands charity walk. His unwavering commitment to supporting families and honouring Lily’s memory exemplifies his remarkable character and compassion.

QinetiQ, a leading British defence technology company, demonstrates a deep commitment to the Armed Forces community through impactful initiatives and partnerships. Collaborating with Recruit for Spouses (RFS), QinetiQ has positively impacted over 228 military spouses through mock interviews, employability webinars, and a 10-week paid work experience programme. QintiQ have also helped support women veterans and spouses at Weeton Barracks with their transition following deployments.

Beyond RFS, QinetiQ hosts career workshops at Tedworth House, engages young beneficiaries through the John Egging Trust, and supports RAF veterans via RAFA wellbeing initiatives. Active in Women in Defence programmes, QinetiQ exemplifies a holistic approach to empowerment, professional growth, and community support.

Barclays UK is a trailblazer in supporting the Armed Forces community, demonstrating exceptional commitment through its Military Veterans Outreach (MVO) and innovative programmes. Its Military Talent Scheme (MTS) facilitates seamless transitions for service leavers, offering training, mentorship, and employment opportunities. The Aftercare Programme extends ongoing career development and financial wellness initiatives, while the Military Business Start-Up Programme empowers families through funding and entrepreneurial resources. Barclays’ collaborations, such as with Forces Families Jobs, ensure tailored, impactful support. With over 9,000 families benefiting annually, Barclays continues to expand its reach, driving resilience, financial independence, and growth across the Armed Forces community.

"Compass Group UK&I, part of Compass Group PLC, has a long-standing commitment to the Armed Forces community. Its Spouse Policy supports military spouses with job relocations, extra leave for deployments, and recognition through an annual Spouses Day. Compass expanded its impact by launching Spouse & Advocacy roundtable events, sharing best practices with over 20 companies to inspire similar initiatives, fostering a growing movement of cross-sector collaboration. Additional efforts include Forces Families Days, resettlement webinars, CV workshops for veterans, and a Reservist Ambassador. Guided by its Armed Forces Committee, Compass continues to lead in supporting military families with innovative, meaningful initiatives."

The Shropshire Armed Forces Outreach Project provides vital support to serving personnel, veterans, and their families. Established in 2018 by Shropshire Council, a Gold Employer Recognition Award holder, the project connects individuals with tailored resources for employment, housing, mental health, and welfare. Operated by a veteran, it collaborates with charities, businesses, and health services to create Veterans Champions and promote awareness. Outreach events across the region offer safe spaces for support, tackling social isolation and PTSD. With over 120 cases supported in three years, the project exemplifies commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, empowering the Armed Forces community through collaboration and care.

Scott, the Single Armed Forces Lead for Warwickshire Police, has dedicated six years to supporting veterans, reservists, and the Armed Forces community, all voluntarily and in his own time. As Chair of the Armed Forces Network, he liaises with military units, raises awareness, and assists in developing best practices for businesses engaging with the Armed Forces Covenant. Known for his extraordinary charity events, including a 9-mile Snowdon trek carrying 50kg immediately followed by a 152-mile run-cycle, Scott has raised vital funds for military charities. His work, including veteran interventions and advocacy, has saved lives and earned him an Outstanding Achievement Award

The Armed Forces Network at Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, established in June 2024 by passionate veteran colleagues, has become a thriving community. After achieving Gold Accreditation from the Veterans Aware Alliance, the network hosted meaningful events, including D-Day celebrations, Armed Forces Week, and remembrance ceremonies, featuring staff profiles and family involvement. Coffee mornings and bake-offs foster informal connections, while inspirational speakers, such as Brigadier Ben Banerjee, highlight the transition from military to civilian life and the skills veterans bring to the NHS. The Armed Forces Network unites veterans, reservists, and families, creating a supportive and inclusive environment.