The Not Forgotten

Yesterday I was extremely proud to be part of The Not Forgotten marching contingent at the Cenotaph Remembrance parade. It was also an honour and privilege to be nominated as The Not Forgotten wreath bearer. A pleasure and an honour to march alongside fellow Veterans, and thank you to the thousands of people lining the route who cheered and clapped all contingents. The Not Forgotten even had a mention during the BBC coverage, including some of our history.

🐎 Fundraising at the Races! 🐎 Not only were a group of our veterans hosted so memorably by Ascot Racecourse on Friday, but the Racecourse also nominated us as their chosen charity for the day, giving us wonderful coverage on their big screens and on their race cards, and a bucket collection encouraging the race-goers to dig deep and support our cause. A HUGE thank you to our valiant volunteers, both veteran and serving personnel, who came and held buckets for hours on a FREEZING cold day, and raised an amazing £1,400 - didn't they look splendid representing us. Thank you to Jacqui Greet and the team at Ascot Racecourse for making this happen.

On Friday we had the most wonderful day at the Races at Ascot Racecourse, where a group of our veterans enjoyed the huge treat of watching the racing from a VIP box, with generous hospitality. As well as hosting us, Ascot gave us beautiful coverage with our films playing on their big screens and a bucket collection to raise money for us. We even had one of the races named after us - The Not Forgotten Open National Hunt Flat Race. Our group of veterans included Norrie, Marie and Dorothea, three centenarian veterans who were involved in crucial operations on D-Day and were guests of honour for the day, interviewed by Ascot and asked to present the trophy for The Not Forgotten Open National Hunt Flat Race. Marie said it was the first time she had ever been to horse racing in all her 100 years! It was a truly memorable day with so many smiles, and we are hugely grateful to Jacqui Greet and Ascot Racecourse for their hospitality, generosity and support. We also had a group of superstar TNF volunteers out braving the cold at Ascot as bucket collectors - photos of them to follow tomorrow as they were amazing! #ascotracecourse #ascotraces #DDayVeterans #DDay80thAnniversary

On Friday we had the most wonderful day at the Races at Ascot Racecourse, where a group of our veterans enjoyed the huge treat of watching the racing from a VIP box, with generous hospitality. As well as hosting us, Ascot gave us beautiful coverage with our films playing on their big screens and a bucket collection to raise money for us. We even had one of the races named after us - The Not Forgotten Open National Hunt Flat Race. Our group of veterans included Norrie, Marie and Dorothea, three centenarian veterans who were involved in crucial operations on D-Day and were guests of honour for the day, interviewed by Ascot and asked to present the trophy for The Not Forgotten Open National Hunt Flat Race. Marie said it was the first time she had ever been to horse racing in all her 100 years! It was a truly memorable day with so many smiles, and we are hugely grateful to Jacqui Greet and Ascot Racecourse for their hospitality, generosity and support. We also had a group of superstar TNF volunteers out braving the cold at Ascot as bucket collectors - photos of them to follow tomorrow as they were amazing! #ascotracecourse #ascotraces #DDayVeterans #DDay80thAnniversary

Something exciting is almost across the finish line! We've been tinkering away (like veteran Johnny on his bike) for almost a year on the rebuild and redesign of our new TNF website... Boasting a fresh look and clearer navigation making it easier to find all the information you need; an interactive events portal to help you find out about and sign up for events; blogs, news and galleries updated regularly; spotlights on veterans we help and fundraisers and partners who help us; and info and inspiration on how to volunteer and support us in all sorts of ways. The new site should launch early next week - watch this space! We look forward to hearing what you think...

Last Saturday another group of our veterans were invited by England Rugby to attend the England vs. Australia Autumn Nations series game at the Allianz Stadium Twickenham, where they had a great time with fantastic pitch side seats for a gripping game. We are so thankful to sponsors like England Rugby who offer us opportunities like this for our veterans and servicepeople struggling with illness, injury and isolation. Just one afternoon being given an experience like this can lift someone's spirits and give them the boost they need at a tough time. A reminder that they truly are not forgotten. #NotForgotten #Rugby #autumnseries #twickenhamstadium #englandrugby #VeteranSupport #lifeafterinjury

We were proud and honoured to take a group of 30 Not Forgotten beneficiaries to participate in the march past the Cenotaph on Whitehall as part of the National Service of Remembrance on Sunday. Looking resplendent in their blazers, caps and medals the group did us incredibly proud marching past the 10,000 members of the public lining the streets. They were even picked up by David Dimbleby on the BBC commentary as he explained what The Not Forgotten charity is to the millions of viewers at home. We also took a small group to the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday. The whole weekend was an emotional and unforgettable experience as we came together to support each other, celebrate the Armed Forces community of which we are so proudly a part, but most importantly remember the friends, comrades, and previous generations who have laid down their lives in service to their country. #remembrancesunday #Cenotaph #VeteransSupportingVeterans #wewillrememberthem

At The Not Forgotten we remember all those who have fought for our country and and made the ultimate sacrifice.  Those we have served alongside; those we have lost and those who came home forever changed.  We remember them every day, but especially today when the whole nation stops to remember. They went with songs to the battle, they were young, Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow. They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted; They fell with their faces to the foe. They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them. (Photo courtesy of Emma Venables, taken at National Trust Stowe Gardens, Buckinghamshire, at their D-Day 80 memorial commemoration 'For Your Tomorrow')

Last week we had great fun joining Visa for their 'Bring Your Children to Work' day at their London offices, where the children of Visa staff got creative with 'The Donut Challenge' - designing their own donut businesses to support The Not Forgotten - with branding, posters, t-shirts and stalls. After lunch they sold their wares to Visa staff (and anyone else they could find!) making almost £1,000 for The Not Forgotten. The children loved meeting Chelsea Pensioner Charlie who talked about his life and how TNF has supported him; the children learned a lot about our work and about veterans in general, and even how to salute (their challenge was to salute every time the word veteran was mentioned!) Of course they were all fans of Juno the elephant too! A huge thank you to Visa for inviting us to be their chosen charity for this special day, to everyone at Visa who bought a donut for our cause, and thank you to the children who were all so enthusiastic and engaged. Perhaps TNF should consider a re-brand based on their artwork...? #Visa #chelseapensioners #veterans #bringyourchildtoworkday #donutsofinstagram #youngentreprenuers

🤩 Fabulous Fundraisers 🤩 A huge thank you shout out today to Steve Ridholls who has spent the last few months doing collections at his local Waitrose & Partners stores in Cornwall and at his local pub, so far raising over £2,500 - and spreading the word about The Not Forgotten’s vital work. We are incredibly grateful to Steve as this money is enough to fund five veterans and their partners to attend a vital 5-day respite break to Devon, or to ensure 50 veterans get to experience one of our Drive Ins or summer Fun Fests… Thank you Steve! 🙏