Event video – Veteran Recognition Awards 2025

 

 

Veterans celebrated for positive community impact

Veterans from across the county had their community contributions celebrated at an event in Canterbury.

The annual Veterans’ Information Fair and Recognition Awards saw two dozen ex-military formally thanked for their support of community causes. Cheered on by more than 100 veterans, the event at Augustine House, Canterbury was hosted by mental health charity East Kent Mind and supported by Canterbury Christ Church University, G4S Patient Transport Services, Specsavers and Canterbury City Council.

Members of Rock Choir performed for guests followed by speeches from the Lord Mayor of Canterbury, Cllr Keji Moses, university Vice Chancellor Professor Rama Thirunamachandran and veteran disability champion Hari Budha Magar.

Simon Dolby, Development Lead at East Kent Mind, said: “Our winners today have shown us dedication to the community, a passion to use the leadership skills gleaned through military service to improve and support the causes they work with, and a desire to support and develop the next generation. We are delighted with the positive impact this event is making to the veteran community and look forward to next year. Our ex-military community give so much to support the people, towns and villages across Kent, Medway, Bexley and Bromley and it is only fitting that this contribution is recognised formerly.”

Samantha Reynolds, Retail Director at Specsavers Canterbury in Rose Lane, said: ‘We’re really pleased to be able to be involved – and especially excited to be presenting an award to what we know will be a really worthy winner from within the veteran community.’

To find out more visit www.eastkentmind.org.uk/veterans

To view and download photos from the event visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mindinbexleyandeastkent/albums/72177720326782714/

The winners

Ashford

Allan Whyte 

Allan is a very proactive member of the Royal British Legion Ashford Branch. He is the DIY genius who maintains, decorates and opens up the pop-in space at the club for the benefit of others without question. He uses his own car to transport equipment and stock without taking any expenses.

He is available to fix and repair whenever required and this saves the Branch from spending money better spent on veteran support.

Allan’s wife is very ill and even though he has taken on caring for her at home he still does what he can whenever required. Well done Allan.

G4S 

G4S Patient Transport has been nominated for its exceptional and ongoing support of the East Kent Mind Armed Forces Project. Their involvement has significantly benefited local veterans by reducing isolation and improving access to mental health and support services.

From providing volunteer transport for veterans’ events—such as trips to Chatham Dockyard and the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal Warehouse—to offering advertising space on their digital ambulance displays for mental health messaging, G4S has consistently stepped forward with meaningful contributions. Their active participation in awareness campaigns like “Wear It Blue” and engagement at community events such as the Veterans’ Fair further demonstrate their dedication to improving veterans’ lives.

G4S’s support of veterans is not a one-off gesture but a sustained partnership with real-world impact. Their team’s personal connection—many being veterans themselves—adds authenticity to their efforts and strengthens their understanding of the community’s needs.

By embedding this support across multiple areas of their service, G4S has positioned itself as a compassionate and reliable partner in improving veteran wellbeing. Their work exemplifies how corporate social responsibility can be both practical and deeply human. Very well done.

Rock Choir Ashford 

Music is a proven and effective way to support the mental wellbeing of individuals. Rock Choir tackles social isolation, builds friendships and lifts the spirits of the members of its choir and has attracted veterans, reservists and their adult family members to join its ranks.

This is not staged exclusively for the ex-military community, but they are most certainly welcomed in to become part of the Rock Choir family – with some veterans providing peer support to others in the choir’s ranks. What Rock Choir provides is certainly deserving of recognition. Very well done Aimee and to all of you.

Canterbury

Colin Clayson 

They say an Army marches on its stomach. It’s in that capacity that Colin helps the Spring Lane Veterans Hub.

Colin has been volunteering with them since it started and every week he cooks and serves lovely bacon rolls which are a firm favourite of hub members. In the 3 years the hub has been running Colin has only missed three weeks – showing his dedication to the Veteran community. But it’s not just his culinary skills that have impressed the judges.

He was also instrumental in setting up the hub’s wellbeing garden giving hours of his time to design and create this peaceful haven.

He now uses the garden to work with young people at the centre to show them how they can plant and grow vegetables creating a wonderful intergenerational element at the centre.

Gerry Ferrett from the Royal British Legion Canterbury 

Gerry has been a dedicated member of the Royal British Legion since 1989. Over the years, he has made a significant impact through his leadership and service, having served as Chairman and as President for an impressive twenty years.

His commitment to remembrance has been evident through his longstanding role in organising the Armistice Day ceremonies—an effort that earned him great respect from Canterbury City Council and the wider community. Gerry is known as a steadying influence in all official matters and is the trusted, go-to person for advice on anything related to the RBL.

His wisdom and calm authority make him an indispensable figure in his branch.

Gerry Ferrett’s unwavering dedication, depth of knowledge, and strong leadership over more than three decades make him a pillar of the Royal British Legion.

He is not only valued for his ceremonial work and organisational skills but also deeply respected for his mentorship and steadiness. As a key contributor to the Poppy Appeal team, he continues to serve with humility and distinction, making him truly worthy of recognition.

Pip Hazleton 

Pip has been Canterbury City Council’s Armed Forces Champion for the past two years. In that time she has supported and worked alongside Barbara Munns the Armed Forces Covenant Lead in her work with the Veterans and helping the council to reach the Covenant’s Gold standard for the Employers Recognition Scheme.

Pip’s role as Housing portfolio holder has meant that she has been able to support numerous Veterans in getting the support they need with housing issues or queries. Pip has helped in getting the action plan in place to support local Veterans and those still serving.

She has supported implementing changes to local policies which have meant that Canterbury is now a more inclusive and welcoming place for Veterans and those who serve.

Donna Ballard-Griffiths 

Donna is part of the Neighbourhood Centre team at Spring Lane and also supports the work of the Veterans Hub. She has been a support to the Veterans for the past two years helping with a variety of activities designed to combat loneliness and social isolation such as quizzes and bat and trap.

Her father, John, who is a Veteran attends Hub sessions with Donna, and although he struggles with dementia she always makes sure he gets involved with the Hub.

Donna played a key role in the Veterans Hub’s fundraising event helping to raise more than £600. She never shies away from mucking in and takes on any role that is needed. Well done.

Syd Goodwin 

Syd has shown outstanding commitment, kindness, and community spirit through his ongoing support of Veterans at the Spring Lane Hub and with East Kent Mind.

He has gone above and beyond to support fellow veterans by volunteering to transport them to various East Kent Mind events, ensuring they can attend and feel included. He consistently shows up with a smile and a positive attitude, helping to lift the spirits of everyone around him.

Syd volunteered as a marshal at the East Kent Mind Mental Elf Run, playing a key role in ensuring the event was safe and welcoming for all. His dedication makes a real difference, and his presence is a constant source of encouragement and goodwill to those he serves.

His help reduces barriers to participation, strengthens community spirit, and reinforces a sense of camaraderie and inclusion that is essential to mental wellbeing.

Syd’s contribution has made a significant and lasting difference to East Kent Mind’s work with veterans.

John Marsh

John Marsh has dedicated an extraordinary 66 years of voluntary service to the Royal British Legion following his time in the RAF.

His commitment and loyalty are unparalleled—having served in multiple leadership roles including Canterbury’s Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer, and for an impressive 30 years, as the Standard Bearer.

His deep-rooted dedication to remembrance and veterans’ welfare is further echoed through his family, with his sister also carrying the standard for the Women’s Section. John has also been an integral part of the Poppy Appeal for many years, helping raise vital funds and awareness for the Armed Forces community.

While John’s contribution is grounded in tradition, his innovation lies in the consistency and visibility he has brought to ceremonial duties and remembrance.

By holding the role of Standard Bearer for three decades, he has helped keep the Legion’s presence strong at public and commemorative events, inspiring younger generations to engage with and respect the values of service and sacrifice.

As with many long-serving volunteers, John has faced the challenge of advancing age and a changing social landscape where volunteer engagement has waned. Nevertheless, he continues to support the Legion with steadfast dedication, showing resilience and determination in maintaining traditions and passing on knowledge and values to others.

John Marsh represents the very heart of the Royal British Legion’s mission—service, remembrance, and community.

His enduring commitment over more than six decades, across a wide range of responsibilities, reflects a rare and deeply inspiring level of devotion. He is not only a valued member of his branch but also a role model for all who serve or support the Armed Forces.

Lynda Jenner – from the Spring Lane Veterans Hub 

Lynda is the partner of a Veteran and she became an active member of the ex-military community when she started attending the Spring Lane Hub and offered her help with the community garden.

Lynda has worked tirelessly on our community garden throughout the year to make it an interesting and inviting place for everyone. She gives up a lot of her time to grow and plant flowers and vegetables for our garden and goes over and beyond in the hours that she gives to the project.

A key part of the work has been involving young people at the centre to be involved in the growing of vegetables. She has taken part in sessions with them to encourage them to look after the plants they grow and then use them in cooking sessions at the centre.

Lynda has had some personal issues in the past year that have taken up a lot of her time but through gardening and working with young people – by giving back to the community – this has supported her mental health and given her the strength to get through hard times.

Thanet

Nick Purt of Thanet Athletics Club 

Nick Purt is a veteran, having served with distinction in the Grenadier Guards seeing active service. He has been a firm supporter of his granddaughter, Bethany who is a member of Thanet Athletics Club.

Where Nick now volunteers as the Thanet Athletics Club team manager for when the club competes. Using his military skill & experience in team building & organising, since taking on the role events have run like clockwork.

He produces team sheets prior to events, organises transport, and ensures athletes know exactly what time to be where. He adapts to changes, ensures supporters are in the correct place and is the number one morale booster.

Thanks to his innovation and skills, Thanet AC has become highly successful and out performs much larger clubs in competitions. The club regularly achieves a top three podium position which gives the whole club an enormous boost & creates an environment where everybody believes they can succeed.

Nick has faced down many challenges in his life & always recovers, inspiring others. Nick has recently had to have surgery where he had to have a finger amputated due to a previous injury not healing. In typical Nick fashion he made the decision when given a choice and has not once showed any pity, just getting on with the job.

His nominator wrote: Nick only shared his military experience when he discovered Thanet AC had signed the Armed Forces Covenant, and had pledged to support serving, reservists, veterans & their families. It did answer the question of how come he was so good at leading & organising others. Very well done.

Kenneth Campbell from the Veterans Association, Birchington

Veteran Ken is a regular at the veterans hub in Birchington and checks on the welfare of the other veterans and staff, especially the older generation. He supports the hub in a host of ways – helps with setting up for events and tidying away – arriving early and staying late; assisting on trips, helping the less able veterans to navigate around.

Innovative Ken has created a veteran phone book, with the veteran members’ contact details, so they can communicate and socialise with each other outside the Veterans Association. If anyone is having a bad day they can use the phone book to call a comrade and get some support. This is a brilliant idea.

Such a kind hearted gentleman, with a can-do attitude. The welfare of others is important to him, he is very caring, polite and helpful. Ken is an asset to the charity, and brightens every room he walks into.

Laura Thomas of Maurice House 

Laura Thomas has been the Deputy Manager at Maurice House for 10 years and has been an invaluable asset to the Royal British Legion, Maurice House staff, and residents – many of whom are veterans. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure residents receive the best possible care, often putting their needs ahead of her own. Her dedication has had a lasting and positive impact on everyone at the home.

Laura has led several key initiatives, most notably implementing the Gold Standards Framework which significantly improves end-of-life care, ensuring the team delivers compassionate and high-quality support to residents and their families during the most sensitive times.

The nature of care work brings constant emotional and operational challenges, especially around end-of-life care. Laura has approached these with professionalism, empathy, and leadership—ensuring the team remains supported while maintaining exceptional standards for residents.

Laura will be retiring this autumn, and she will be deeply missed. Her commitment, leadership, and compassion have shaped Maurice House in countless ways. As she moves into the next chapter of her life, the judging panel wanted to formally recognise her contribution over the past decade. Very well done.

Betty McClure of Maurice House 

Betty moved into Maurice House in April 2023 and has become a key part of its intergenerational activities. She helps welcome nursery children three times a week, preparing their snacks, setting up activities, and greeting them at the door. She spends her mornings reading with them, exploring the grounds, and joining in with arts and crafts. The children adore her and regularly call out “Morning Betty!” as they arrive.

At an Easter egg hunt in the grounds, several parents asked if they could meet Betty as their children always tell them about her, this included current children and children that had left nursery to go to primary school.

Betty’s involvement is a great example of intergenerational engagement. She helps make the nursery visits a warm, shared experience that benefits both the children and the home. She also helps welcome potential residents, offering them a personal view of life at Maurice House.

Helen Plank of the Veterans Association, Birchington 

Helen served in the Army and is like so many we are honouring today – a veteran helping other veterans.

She is a key member of the team at the hub, running its coffee bar, opening the hub up early for veterans in need and going above and beyond for others. On one occasion she went all the way to the London Passport Office on the behalf of an elderly disabled veteran.

Helen arranges trips for the veterans, catering each trip to the veterans wants and interests. She is happy to help with anything that comes her way and is a massive asset to the Veterans Association charity.

The hub had an electrical fault at the beginning of the year, which resulted in the building being closed for multiple days. This impacted our veterans, especially our vulnerable regulars. Helen ensured that the veterans were ok during these days, carrying out welfare and wellbeing checks.

 

Ray Holland – attendee of RAFBF Every Generation Group, Birchington 

Ray Holland attends the monthly Every Generation Group in Birchington and is always willing to help out where he can and support others.

Despite his memory loss, he will go the extra mile to talk to other Veterans and generally ensure that everyone is included and engaged.

He is an RAF Veteran who enjoyed a full career before retiring & retraining as a Teacher. He lost his first wife to Cancer. He married a fellow teacher.

She noticed changes in his memory. Ray had difficulties & began to suspect he was becoming unwell.

He was an active member of the Birchington RBL Committee when formally diagnosed with Pre Senile Dementia. It’s obviously been a terrible blow. Ray regularly attends Birchington Veteran Centre and helps support others there experiencing the effects of dementia despite having ‘absences.’

He understands that his condition will continue to deteriorate but is determined to carry on & do what he can to help others.

And, as an ex-teacher, he knows the importance of being non-judgemental and empathetic and he certainly upholds these values.

Kevin Martin of Margate Sea Cadets 

Former Royal Navy veteran Kevin Martin took on the position of Commanding Officer of Margate Sea Cadets before retiring from the role in January.

But he leaves a legacy of inspiration and support. In the nomination to the judging panel from Cadets at the unit they described Kevin as a dedicated officer to the Margate unit went above and beyond in his duties, volunteered extra time, took on additional responsibilities, and consistently put the needs of the Cadets first.

He created a positive and motivating environment. Kevin embodies the values of the unit, demonstrating leadership, integrity, respect and teamwork.

Cadets say he helped them grow in confidence as well ensuring they developed practical skills such as first aid and communication skills.

One Cadet said: “If it wasn’t for Sir, the sea and marine cadet band wouldn’t exist and we wouldn’t be able to play in community events and parades. We are proud to nominate him.”

Des Buckley, Mai Knight and Jan Edis

Des Buckley, Mai Knight, and Jan Edis are a a team of dedicated local veterans who played an instrumental role in helping to launch East Kent Mind’s intergenerational schools project.

This initiative aims to connect young people with the lived experiences of veterans. Their involvement helped bring history to life for students at Hartsdown Academy.

Through their storytelling and generous willingness to share personal memories, they offered Year 10 students a unique and meaningful perspective on military life and the realities of service.

Rather than teaching history solely through textbooks, this initiative allowed students to hear firsthand accounts from veterans of all three military branches, creating a living history experience.

Their ability to speak honestly yet sensitively about complex topics such as conflict, resilience, and personal growth gave students rare access to real voices behind historical events.

It’s a dynamic way to build bridges between generations and bring greater emotional and educational depth to the school curriculum.

Sharing deeply personal stories with a young audience requires both emotional strength and trust. Des, Mai, and Jan rose to this challenge with courage and grace.

By participating in the launch of this schools project, they have paved the way for future veteran-school collaborations across the region.

Their actions reflect the values of service, integrity, and community engagement, and they are exceptional ambassadors for the Armed Forces and East Kent Mind alike.

Folkestone

Dhan Gurung  from the Gurkha Memorial Fund 

Dhan Gurung is the founding Chairman of the Gurkha Memorial Fund in Folkestone. Which was established in 2009 to provide the permanent Gurkha Memorial commemorating the Service of the Gurkha Regiment and assist and support the welfare of the Gurkha Veterans and the Nepalese community in Folkestone.

The Shorncliffe barracks is the base for the Gurkha Regiment with its links to the Nepalese community in Cheriton and Folkestone.

Mr Gurung has pioneered the integration of Gurkha Veterans and their families into the local community. Support includes education and the learning of new skills particularly information technology and strengthening English language skills.

The Gurkha Memorial fund assisted in the founding of the Nepalese Community Centre which played a leading role in these education and community initiatives.

Our winner provides wider welfare services forging strong links to NHS services, local government and central government organisations such as DWP.

Maidstone

Liaison, Diversion and Reconnect Veterans Pathway Team and Veterans Advocate 

Liaison, Diversion and Reconnect work with people who have come into the Criminal Justice System.

Veteran Andrew Sharp is one of the Liaison and diversion practitioners who over the last two years has been working with Veterans throughout the whole of Kent that have come through Police custody and / or Prison.

Due to his experience and service he has been speaking to veterans and helping them to get help with their mental health and with any other issues they have including housing, debt, care needs, drugs, alcohol and physical health.

The impact of veterans helping veterans is a successful formula. Over the last 2 years he has managed to maintain a 0 percent reoffending rate for those who have fully engaged with him as opposed to the national rate of 26 percent.

NHS commissioners have recently funded the liaison and diversion and reconnect service to expand Andrew’s role to be a Trust-wide veterans advocate. The impact is a significant increase in the number of referrals to Op courage with a historically more help-adverse client group.

Nikki Ward – from RAFBF Every Generation Event

These Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund sessions are held in Maidstone – but also in Birchington and multiple other areas of the county ny Nikki.

We have received multiple nominations for Nikki linked to her role delivering the Every Generation Events for the RAFBF – initiatives that tackle social isolation and loneliness – but also provide a route to access other services the organisation delivers.

One nominator talks about her 92-year-old father, ex-RAF – who attends both the Every Generation sessions and also the Kent Reminiscence Group in Maidstone. The gentleman and wife subsequently attended a group friendship break holiday with other RAF veterans. So a real success story.

The nominator said: “My parents’ lives have changed due to Nikki coming into contact with them at a point where they needed it most.”

Another nominator talked about the 1-2-1 support she delivered to an RAF veteran who would not engage with professionals due to trust issues.

The veteran was a recluse and a hoarder and the fire service feared the home was a fire risk. Nikki gained his trust, brought in other services to support him, the hoarding was cleared and the fire risk removed – and the veteran is now plugged into an Armed Forces Breakfast Club and is connecting with others.

The nominator said: “This was a man who refused to engage with his housing provider and social services but thanks to Nikki’s input alone, her empathy and non judgemental attitude, he now leads a better life.” Very well done.

Ian Warrington 

For the second year in a row, Ian Warrington has taken part in the Great Tommy Sleep Out, spending three nights sleeping out in a tent in Hawley Square, Margate, to raise awareness and money for the thousands of ex-forces personnel who are homeless.

As someone who’s been through that himself, Ian truly understands the struggles many veterans face and is using his own story to help make a difference.

What makes Ian’s approach stand out is that he’s not just talking about the issue—he’s out there living it for a few nights, putting himself in that vulnerable position to shine a light on something most people don’t see.

Sleeping out in a busy public space like Hawley Square really gets people thinking and talking. He had local councillors visit, local press write about him and school children drop off Gregs to keep him fed!

It’s a simple but powerful way to connect with the public and get them to care about the issue, rather than just scroll past another online campaign.

Ian has faced a lot of challenges himself—after leaving the Army, he went through a marriage breakdown and ended up sofa surfing and sleeping rough.

But instead of letting that hold him back, he’s turned those experiences into a reason to support others. He’s now living at the Royal British Legion Village and has found a supportive community, which has given him stability and confidence to take part in things like the Sleep Out.

It’s not easy giving up your bed and staying out in the cold for three nights, but Ian does it because he knows how much it matters.Ian is a strong and compassionate voice for veterans who are struggling. Very well done.

Dover

Mel Cooper from the Department of Work and Pensions

Mel is the Armed Forces Champion at the DWP and that places her in a unique position to help veterans across the county – ensuring veterans receive all the monetary support they are entitled to.

This year a nominator – who attends Sandwich Veterans Breakfast Club – detailed how Mel not only turned his life around but that he believes her unwavering support, tenacity and patience saved his life.

The former Para’s physical and mental health had deteriorated to the point where he was unable to be a champion of his own health and he was housebound. His savings had dwindled and he could only afford one more month’s mortgage payment.

Mel conducted a house visit and arranged phone appointments with benefits staff and referred him to Op Courage to help him with past traumas relating to time in Northern Ireland and the Falkland Conflict where he had been injured.

Her empathy and kindness helped the Para to feel at ease talking about his past, something he had not fully talked about even to his now ex-wife and children.

Mel took him to the local Veterans Breakfast Club in Sandwich and introduced him where he found another Para that was of similar age and the banter and camaraderie flowed.

“I felt that I was ‘someone’ again and I mattered even though it was only for a couple of hours once a month.”

Medway

Mike Botha of Invicta Athletics Club 

Mike is a veteran of both the Zimbabwe & British army who serves 22 yrs and left as a Senior NCO. He volunteers four evenings a week to coach young people as well as his role as an athletics official for Kent County Athletics Association.

Mike is passionate about learning and passing these to his athletes. He has coached athletes abroad and compares & contrasts learning styles & techniques. Mike scours the whole athletic & fitness arena for new methods & takes these back to his athletes, putting into practice what he has learned.

An example being is his use of dynamic power exercises for athletes to work on developing the muscles for explosive exercises such as shot put and hammer throw.

His work with athletes has improved performance & reduced injuries, leading to success in competitions and in turn confidence/ well-being.

Mike is a volunteer & receives no funding or support. This has created a challenge for him as this is his passion. He’s rebalanced his finances, taking on extra hours to fund his ability to pay for fuel & food while he travels.

It’s commendable and is a classic Mike approach – to overcome and adapt rather than do less.

Mike is a keen supporter of young people who want to be the best they can be. He takes time out for others and gets genuine pleasure from helping others. He works closely with athletes, families & guardians to bring a holistic approach to support. He has only recently applied for his veteran’s card as he puts others before himself. He is a great example of the positive mindset fostered by our military & is a great ambassador for the veteran community across Kent.