Celebrating Forces Families Awards Finalists 2023: Away From Home Award (new for 2023)
We are so excited to be congratulating four amazing finalists for the brand new Away From Home Award. The winner will be announced at the celebrity-presented Awards evening in London later this Friday, 28th April.
This award is for a family member, or family who is/are based overseas and has/have gone above and beyond to help their local military community, wherever they are based.
The finalists are:
· Samantha Tibbetts
· Joanne Rush
· Rhoda Kirkpatrick
· Ashley Gallagher
Samantha Tibbetts
Samantha Tibbetts is a dedicated member of the RAF Akrotiri community who works tirelessly to create welfare opportunities for others. She is Chair of the Akrotiri Community Group, leading a team of 26 volunteers and contributes to numerous high-profile community activities and raising significant funds for charities.
Samantha Tibbetts
Samantha says:
“I cannot say enough on how much this means to me, I've been away from my family and friends for three years and dipped my hands firmly into helping the community. Seeing the enjoyment of children and adults at every event makes it worth the rush and stress of the build-up. These days are so important to families overseas. This helps them to worry less and feel normal.”
Watch a short 43 second video clip recorded by Wing Commander Jim Schofield who is also attending the Awards night in support to Samantha and her team.
Joanne Rush
Joanne set up the Military Wives Choir in BATUK and worked with other military wives to set up a thrift shop on barracks, which donated all the money raised to Kenyan community projects, such as installing an orphanage sewage system. Joanne’s dedication and initiative in setting up the shop helped to make a positive impact on the lives of many, both within the military community and the local Kenyan community.
Joanne Rush
Joanne says:
“I was not even aware that I had been nominated for an award until i received the email, so at first it came as a huge shock. Now that it has sunk in, I am so honoured, albeit still in disbelief to have been chosen as a finalist at the CFF2023 Awards, when there are so many deserving people. We don't do things to win awards, we just do all we can to help others in any way. To be recognised for the things we do, is such a privilege, and something that I can keep in my heart forever. I will continue to support my communities and military family in any way that I can, and will cherish being a finalist and will wear my badge with pride.”
Watch Joanne’s short 36 second video recorded by her husband, Richard.
Rhoda Kirkpatrick
Rhoda is a dedicated community builder at BATUS Canada who has initiated various activities and events to bring people together. She has organised food deliveries, started a book club and helped manage the Community Hub with volunteers running the coffee shop, thrift shop, and soft play area. Rhonda has also supported the children’s ice hockey team and planned a successful Christmas market.
Rhoda Kirkpatrick
Rhoda adds:
“I'm overwhelmed. I never thought I would be nominated, let alone selected as a finalist! I thank those that nominated me, it's nice to know what I've been doing has been seen, and I hope it's brought a positive change into our little community.”
Ashley Gallagher
Ashley founded the Sennelager Ladies that Run (SLtR) running group in Germany, encouraging women in the community to exercise for both physical and mental health. She organises weekly meets, social events, and friendly competitions. Ashley also started a SLtR fundraising page, raising over £4,500 for military-related charities through community events and partnerships with charities, including the Forces Wives Challenge.
Ashley Gallagher
Ashley says:
“I am truly honoured and overwhelmed. It is certainly not something I ever thought would happen. But I am lucky to have been surrounded by incredible ladies in Sennelager!”
Away from Home sponsors are Amazon and Program Manager of the EMEA Global Military Program, Emma Morgan adds:
“Amazon supports these Awards wholeheartedly and recognises the importance of celebrating the dedicated, selfless work of those within our Armed Forces community.”
The Awards evening
Friday 28th April 2023 will see a formal dinner and awards ceremony held at the Victory Services Club, London. The Awards are supported by the Ministry of Defence through its Partner Employment Working Group.
Actor and SSAFA Ambassador, Antony Cotton is returning as guest presenter at the Awards.
Watch on livestream
The BFBS Live Events Team will be livestreaming the Awards. If you aren’t able to be at the Awards, you can still join virtually for free! Simply register online and then make sure you have the date in your diary to plan your evening however you wish to celebrate with everyone.
Follow the CFF Team as the 2023 events unfold:
· Twitter: @CFFAwards
· Facebook: @CelebratingForcesFamilies
· Insta: @celebratingforcesfamilies