Celebrating Forces Families Awards 2023 – The Winners
The Awards night
The second Celebrating Forces Families (CFF) Awards evening, took place this weekend (Friday 28th April 2023) recognising 36 amazing finalists who have given so much to the UK’s Armed Forces community. With two of the youngest finalists aged just 10 years of age, the event recognised and celebrated every cohort of the ‘military family’ through their hard work, drive and determination.
The ceremony, held at the Victory Services Club in London was headline-sponsored by Barclays and attended by families, friends, all event sponsors and the Ministry of Defence. This included military leads who joined the evening by invite to show their appreciation to the UK’s military families.
Meet the presenters
Actor and SSAFA Ambassador, Antony Cotton MBE presented the Awards alongside BFBS presenter Sian Grzeszczyk. Between them, they presented with true sincerity and empathy, bringing the Awards to life, recognising the inspiring stories of each and every finalist. Antony also broke from the traditional stage announcements this year, taking to the floor and talking to finalists - especially those in the Inspirational Family Member of the Year and Young People’s Award categories.
Spotlight on the Finalists
Inspirational Family Member of the Year Award winner, Molly Williams joined her Dad, Julian as he ran and walked 100 miles in 24 hours in May last year to raise funds for the RAF Association. Molly joined using her Duet Tandem Wheelchair bicycle with the help of her Mum, May - sister Anya and brother Edmund.
Molly said:
“I don't quite believe it, because I am only 10 and I don't see myself as inspirational. I just wanted to give something back to the RAF Association, after they were so kind to buy me my perfect bed that helps me sit up when I need to. I wanted to help make other people happy, the way the RAFA has made me happy.”
Overcoming Adversity Award winner, Lisa Billing has worked tirelessly to preserve the memory of her son, Daniel Wade and other soldiers who died in Afghanistan. Over the past decade, she has spearheaded the renovation of a community garden near Warrington Cenotaph, transforming it into a beautiful space that honours our fallen heroes. Her partnership with Warrington Borough Council has secured funding for this outstanding project.
When asked on receipt of her award, Lisa said:
“I’m lost for words to be honest. Everyone here this evening has done so much that I was so surprised that I won this award. It means the world to me to have been able to do something to keep our soldiers memories alive through this memorial. Thank you.”
Armed Forces Children Choir
The Awards began with a drinks reception, filled with guests and an atmosphere of excitement and expectation. It was followed by a sumptuous three-course-meal in the venue’s Carisbrooke Hall. After the meal, the audience were entertained with an amazing performance; a trio of songs sung by the Armed Forces Children Choir to ably mark the start of the Awards’ announcements.
Voices of the Armed Forces Children’s Choir
Armed Forces Children Choir spokesperson, the CEO of Never Such Innocence, Katie Salari reflects on Friday evening’s experience:
“It was a privilege for the Voices of Armed Forces Children Choir to perform at the Celebrating Forces Families Awards, especially as it was held in April, the Month of the Military Child. It is vital that Service children have the opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings about being a member of the greater Armed Forces family. The choir loved seeing audience members singing along to Welcome Home and Stand Up and it was a special honour to recognise the Queen with their song, The Most Famous Lady, which they wrote after her passing. The Queen was the head of the Armed Forces and they wanted to remember her through that song. It was a wonderful night recognising so many amazing people who have done so much for the military community this past year and we were honoured to perform for them.”
So let’s celebrate the Winners and our Award Sponsors
All finalists were presented with certificates as they arrived at the Awards to celebrate their achievements on being shortlisted. We hope everyone was able to take a moment and reflect on their valuable input to the Armed Forces community, irrespective of the winners – this event was set up to celebrate everyone.
Watch on playback
If you couldn’t make it to the Awards, or take up the livestream opportunity set in place by the BFBS Live Events Team, you can watch the event on playback through the CFF website: www.celebratingforcesfamilies.co.uk
Thank you to all sponsors
In addition to the Award sponsors, we also wish to thank those who supported the CFF Team in other areas of the event:
Headline Sponsor Barclays
Drinks Reception Compass Group UK & Ireland
Media Partner BFBS
Armed Forces Children Choir Naval Families Federation and RAF Families Federation
Green Room RAF Families Federation in partnership with Annington Trust
Printing of the CFF programme Corporate Document Services Ltd
Gift bags Amazon UK
Event Team Chair, Sarah Walker said:
“For our second year running, we have been able to run the CFF Awards through sponsorship and I must thank all our sponsors for enabling this year’s event to happen. A special mention must also go to the event team – a team of 15 military organisations who are part of the MOD supported ‘Partner Employment Working Group’. They worked collaboratively to organise the event on top of their day jobs as volunteers; most are also military family members themselves.
“I would also like to thank the comprehensive mix of judges who had the unenviable job of selecting the winners of each inspiring category. I know that wasn’t an easy task!”
“Finally to all other Forces family contributors who provided support and services to the CFF Awards at a reduced or nil fee to help keep this event cost neutral.”
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Contact info@celebratingforcesfamilies.co.uk