Veterans’ Foundation

Simon Weston became Britain's most well-known veteran when he returned from the Falklands Conflict with life-changing injuries. Find out more about the day his ship - the Sir Galahad - was hit by an Argentine bomb, how his remarkable resilience captured the nation's heart, and why he found himself at rock-bottom after struggling to come to terms with what he saw when he first looked in the mirror. *You can help heroes like Simon by playing the Veterans’ Lottery – this month’s jackpot is £75,000! Join here: veteransfoundation.org.uk/lo…

Remembrance spans every generation and every conflict, from the World Wars to those of more recent years. These photographs were shared by our followers in memory of loved ones who served and are no longer with us. Thank you to everyone who shared their memories and helped us honour the people behind the service.🕯️

Lest we forget. 🌹

This Remembrance Day, join us at 11am as we observe a two-minute silence to honour and remember those who have served and sacrificed. We will remember them. 🌹

On this day in 1918, the guns fell silent. On the morning of 11 November, Canadian troops marched through the streets of Mons, Belgium, following the Canadian Corps’ capture of the city in the final hours of the First World War. Later that morning, at 11am, the Armistice came into effect and fighting on the Western Front ceased. This photograph captures Canadian troops in Mons on that historic morning — the final day of a conflict that had shaped the lives of millions of serving personnel, families and communities. Today, on Armistice Day, we remember those who served, those who lost their lives, and all those whose lives were changed by war. We will remember them. Photo: Imperial War Museums (CO 3660) – © IWM

Meet Catriona Laing CB, who joined the Veterans’ Foundation’s Board of Trustees in March 2026. 💙 With an exceptional career in international public service, including roles in Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Nigeria and Somalia, Catriona has witnessed the dedication, resilience and leadership of Armed Forces personnel first-hand. Her experience working alongside British and US service personnel in Afghanistan inspired her commitment to giving back. Today, she is passionate about helping veterans successfully transition into civilian life and ensuring their skills and experience are recognised by employers. Thank you, Catriona, for bringing your knowledge and commitment to our mission of supporting veterans and their families. #TrusteesWeek #VeteransFoundation #VeteranEmployment

From the World Wars to more recent conflicts, we remember all those who served and sacrificed. ❤️🇬🇧

Service may come to an end, but our commitment to those who have served does not. This Remembrance season, we honour those who gave their lives, recognise those who served alongside them, and stand with the veterans and families who carry their legacy forward. At Veterans’ Foundation, we’re proud to back the organisations providing meaningful support to the Armed Forces Community across the UK. We remember. We recognise. We stand together. ❤️

For Guy Cartwright, supporting veterans is about loyalty, responsibility and giving back. 💙 Growing up in an Army family before serving 18 years with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, Guy understands the challenges military personnel can face both during and after service. Since joining our Board of Trustees in 2023, he has brought valuable financial expertise as Chair of our Finance, Audit and Risk Committee. Through his involvement in our Grants Committee, Guy has also seen how even a small grant can make an enormous difference to a charity supporting veterans. His ambition? To help the Veterans’ Foundation grow its impact and continue supporting the Armed Forces community for generations to come. Thank you, Guy, for your commitment and expertise. #TrusteesWeek #VeteransFoundation #ArmedForcesCommunity

One inch too short to join the Wrens? Not if you're Dorothea Barron! ⚓💙 At just 5ft 2in, Dorothea was below the minimum height requirement for the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRNS). Her solution? Cardboard in her shoes and her hair brushed up high! “I would have got in somehow. I’d have done anything to get in.” Dorothea joined in 1943, aged 18, and went on to serve as a visual signaller, supporting naval training ahead of D-Day. A remarkable story of determination and service. 💙

Meet Army veteran Ian Stowe. 👋 After more than 20 years of service, Ian faced homelessness and unemployment as he adjusted to civilian life. With support from The Poppy Factory’s Navigator programme, Ian rebuilt his confidence and went on to launch an Armed Forces community drop-in, bringing more than 50 people together at its first meeting. 💙 Thanks to £162,000 in funding from the Veterans’ Foundation, The Poppy Factory is continuing to support veterans like Ian to rebuild confidence, reconnect with their communities and take positive steps forward.

🎉 107 years young! Happy Birthday, Harold! 🎂 World War Two RAF veteran Harold Hodgson celebrated his incredible 107th birthday in style, with a sing-along, a party and more than 300 birthday cards sent by well-wishers from across the country! 🇬🇧 Born in Darlington in 1919, Harold served in the RAF during the Second World War and has certainly packed plenty into his 107 years. Reflecting on his remarkable life, Harold said: “I've done everything, I've let no grass grow under my feet. And I've lived and lived and lived.” What a wonderful reminder of the power of community and the importance of celebrating those who have served. Please join us in wishing Harold a very happy 107th birthday! 💙🎂 thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2…

Meet Maggie Pedder MBE, a passionate advocate for Armed Forces families and a Veterans’ Foundation trustee since 2023. 💙 From supporting military families in Germany to serving on the Army Families Federation board and chairing the Military Wives Choir, Maggie has dedicated years to championing our Armed Forces community. Her outstanding contribution was recognised with an MBE in 2026. With over 30 years of HR experience, Maggie understands the challenges smaller charities face and the difference the right funding can make. She is particularly passionate about ensuring military families and female veterans receive the recognition and support they deserve. Thank you, Maggie, for your dedication to those who serve and the families standing beside them. #TrusteesWeek #VeteransFoundation #MilitaryFamilies

A very special milestone for British Army veteran Charlie Underdown, who celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by family, friends and former colleagues. Charlie served during the Second World War, including time in India and Germany, before going on to dedicate more than 20 years to Queenborough Fire Station, eventually becoming station manager. Described by his family as a proud, independent and inspiring man, Charlie marked his big day with a celebration bringing together generations of loved ones and former firefighters. And his secret to reaching 100? “Plenty of exercise I suppose. Walking and cycling.” 🚴 From military service to decades of supporting his local community, Charlie has certainly lived a remarkable life. Please join us in wishing Charlie a very happy 100th birthday! 👏🎂 kentonline.co.uk/sheerness/n…

Today, we remember Lance Corporal Jake Alderton of 20 Field Squadron, 36 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers, who lost his life while serving in southern Afghanistan on 9 November 2007. 🌹 Lest We Forget.

Meet Andrew Anderson, Chair of Trustees at the Veterans’ Foundation. 💙 From serving seven years in the Parachute Regiment to building successful technology businesses across the UK, US and Europe, Andrew brings a wealth of military and business experience to our board. Since joining in 2023 and becoming Chair in 2025, Andrew has focused on ensuring our funding makes a meaningful, lasting difference to veterans and their families. Whether it’s helping someone find a safe home, access vital health support or rediscover their sense of purpose, Andrew is committed to making every grant count. Thank you, Andrew, for your leadership and dedication to the Armed Forces community. #TrusteesWeek #VeteransFoundation #VeteransSupport

We are saddened to hear of the passing of Charlie Horne, one of Scotland’s last surviving D-Day veterans, aged 100. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🌺 Just 18 years old when he took part in the Normandy landings, Charlie served aboard a minesweeper helping to clear the way for Allied forces on Omaha Beach. His remarkable life is a reminder of the experiences, sacrifices and stories of a generation we must never forget. Charlie’s own words carry particular meaning as we mark Remembrance: “All I ask is that, when we are no longer here to tell you ourselves, you don’t forget them either.” Our thoughts are with Charlie’s family, friends and everyone at Erskine Veterans Charity who supported him in his final months. We remember Charlie, and all those who served alongside him. 🌺🕯️ bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwr7…

60 years of love and a very special meeting! ❤️ Our Veterans’ Foundation® fundraiser Linda recently had the pleasure of meeting Lynda and Keith Wenborn, who first met at the NAAFI in Portsmouth exactly 60 years ago this week! At the time, Keith was serving in the Royal Navy, while Lynda worked as a stenographer for the Navy. Six decades later, they’re still together! ❤️ What a wonderful story and a lovely reminder of the lifelong connections made within our Armed Forces Community. Thank you to Lynda and Keith for sharing their story with us! 🇬🇧

On this day in history: 9 November 1943. General Bernard Montgomery holds a message of support from miners in South Wales while serving with the British Army in Italy. A moment of connection between those serving overseas and communities back home. 📷 Sgt Bourne / Imperial War Museums, NA 8536

“We didn’t realise it was going to be a killing beach.” On 6 June 1944, Royal Navy veteran Eddie Gaines landed on Omaha Beach, witnessing scenes that would stay with him for the rest of his life. Amid the smoke, gunfire and devastation of D-Day, it was the sight of those who had lost their lives that affected Eddie most deeply. “These guys had come all that way, thousands of miles from their homes to help us. And that's as far as they got. Isn’t that sad, that is so sad.” Before his passing in 2023, Eddie shared his memories with the Veterans’ Foundation, giving us a deeply personal account of the human cost of war. His words are a powerful reminder of why these stories must be preserved, shared and remembered. We remember Eddie with gratitude, alongside all those who served and those who never returned. 🔗 Read Eddie’s story and hear his moving testimony: veteransfoundation.org.uk/st…

This Remembrance period, we honour all those who served and sacrificed, and the animals who stood alongside them. Their courage and loyalty will never be forgotten. Lest we forget.🌺