Join the Celebrating Forces Families (CFF) Awards Team in congratulating its four amazing finalists for the Overcoming Adversity Award. The winner will be announced at a celebrity-presented Awards evening in London on 28th April.

This award is for a military family member who has experienced and achieved success despite living through an unfortunate event, experiencing difficulties or challenges. This could be based around mental, emotional or social challenges - or all three.

The finalists are:

· Lisa Billing

· The Woods Family

· Hope Murray

· Efrem Brynin

Lisa Billing

Lisa is a dedicated supporter of the Armed Forces community who 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.

Lisa says:

“Words cannot describe how excited I am at being a finalist for the hard work of ten years of pain into a community project for my Son's Legacy it means the world to me.”

The Woods Family

Jodie, Mike and their family have shown incredible courage and support for the community by spreading awareness and fundraising. After the loss of their young daughter Eliza to sepsis, they have organized events to raise tens of thousands of pounds for the UK Sepsis Trust. Jodie also runs a successful Baby Sensory and Toddler Sense business, bringing joy to 250 Armed Forces families each week.

Jodie adds:

“It is an incredible honour to be nominated, let alone to be a finalist.”

Hope Murray

Despite facing her own challenges with visual impairment, Hope joined Forces Children Scotland's Your Mind Matters co-production group to help develop a wellbeing platform for young people. Her experience and knowledge were invaluable to ensuring that the platform was fully accessible to all. She is determined to make a difference and graduated with a PGDip in International Conflict and Co-Operation last year.

Hope says:

“I am humbled to be considered for this Award.”

Efrem Brynin

Efrem lost his son in Afghanistan in 2013 and struggled to find support for military-related grief. He co-founded Strongmen, which supports military and veteran communities with grief and bereavement. He speaks in various military environments to break down the stigma surrounding grief and has personally supported many men in their own grieving journeys. Despite facing his own battle with cancer, Efrem continues to go above and beyond for the community he serves.

Efrem says:

“Whilst it sounds like a cliché, I am honoured and touched to receive this nomination.”

Overcoming Adversity Award sponsors are M&S and Head of Logistics and Veterans Network Senior Sponsor (VNSS), Paul Burns said:

“I have huge respect for our Armed Forces, of the work they do and the sacrifices they make for our safety and well-being. We, at Marks and Spencer are privileged to have so many veterans as colleagues and it is great to see due recognition and the chance to share this with pride with their families.”

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 also returning as a guest presenter at the Awards.

*Livestreaming in progress during the 2022 Celebrating Forces Families 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

Celebrating Forces Families Awards Finalists 2023: Overcoming Adversity Award