Jump to content

Army Benevolent Fund: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
KolbertBot (talk | contribs)
Bots
1,166,042 edits
m Bot: HTTP→HTTPS (v461)
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit Advanced mobile edit
 
(43 intermediate revisions by 20 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|British charitable organization}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{external links|date=April 2017}}
{{use dmy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{refimprove|date=December 2014}}
{{more citations needed|date=December 2014}}
}}

{{Infobox
{{Infobox
| header1 = ABF The Soldiers' Charity Information
| header1 =
| label2 = Formation | data2 = 1944
| label2 = Formation
| label3 = Type | data3 = Charity
| data2 = 1944
| label3 = Type
| label4 = Purpose | data4 = National Charity of The British Army
| data3 = British military support charity
| label5 = Headquarters | data5 = London
| label4 = Purpose
⚫
| label6 = Region Served | data6 = United Kingdom, Ireland (pre-1922)
| data4 = Supporting British Armed Forces veterans, serving personnel and immediate family members
| label7 = Official Language | data7 = English
| label5 = Headquarters
| label8 = Chief Executive Officer | data8 = Major General (Retired) Martin Rutledge
| data5 = London
| label9 = Website | data9 = http://www.soldierscharity.org
| label6 = Region served
⚫
| data6 = United Kingdom, Ireland (pre-1922)
| label7 = Official language
| data7 = English
| label8 = Chief executive officer
| data8 = Major General (Ret’d) Tim Hyams CB OBE
| label9 = Website
| data9 = https://armybenevolentfund.org/
| title = Army Benevolent Fund
| image =
}}
}}


'''ABF The Soldiers' Charity''', formerly the '''Army Benevolent Fund'''<ref>Third Sector Magazine, [http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/charity-rebranding-change-vision-strategy/communications/article/994464 "Charity rebranding: a change of vision and strategy"], ''Third Sector Magazine'', 06/04/10</ref> is a British [[charitable organization|charity]]. It is the National Charity of the British Army and provides financial and practical support to soldiers, veterans, and their immediate family in times of need, even after they have left the Army.
The '''Army Benevolent Fund''', formerly '''ABF The Soldiers' Charity''', is the national [[charitable organization|charity]] of the [[British Army]]. Since 1944, it has provided a lifetime of support to soldiers, veterans and their immediate families when they are in need.


In the financial year 22/23, the charity helped 70,000 people in 45 countries worldwide, and funded 74 other charities and organisations that deliver frontline services.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-20 |title=ANNUAL REPORT & CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23 |url=https://armybenevolentfund.org/publications/annual-report-consolidated-financial-statements-2022-23/ |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=Army Benevolent Fund |language=en-US}}</ref>
The charity spends on average [http://www.riftrefunds.co.uk/about-us/charity/abf-the-soldiers-/ £5 million on individuals] who need help every year, and provides grants to over 80 charities, which deliver specialist support on its behalf – reaching over 70,000 people annually.


== History ==
== History ==
ABF The Soldiers’ Charity was founded in 1944 as The Army Benevolent Fund. The demobilisation of soldiers after the two World Wars had put an enormous strain on Regimental and Corps charitable funds and highlighted the need for a national charity to give practical help to soldiers and veterans. Its first patron was [[George VI|His Majesty King George VI.]]
Winston Churchill’s War Cabinet discussed the formation of the Army Benevolent Fund a national charity for the British Army to ensure support would be available for soldiers, veterans and their families in peacetime. The Army Benevolent Fund was founded in 1944 as the Army Benevolent Fund. The demobilisation of soldiers after the two World Wars had put an enormous strain on Regimental and Corps charitable funds and highlighted the need for a national charity to give practical help to soldiers and veterans. Its first patron was [[King George VI]], who was later succeeded by [[Queen Elizabeth II]] and then [[Queen Camilla]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://armybenevolentfund.org/her-majesty-the-queen-announced-as-patron-of-the-army-benevolent-fund/|title=Her Majesty The Queen announced as Patron of the Army Benevolent Fund|work=Army Benevolent Fund|date=9 May 2024|access-date=21 May 2024}}</ref>


In January 2010, [http://www.marketingmagazine.co.uk/article/980784/armed-forces-fund-re-brands-soldiers-charity the charity rebranded] as ABF The Soldiers’ Charity<ref>Third Sector Magazine, [http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/charity-rebranding-change-vision-strategy/communications/article/994464 "Charity rebranding: a change of vision and strategy"], ''Third Sector Magazine'', 06/04/10</ref> and continues to support the Army family by giving grants to individuals and other specialist charities that help soldiers and their families. It works with veterans from every conflict since the [[Second World War]], including those from recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.<ref>London Evening Standard, [http://www.standard.co.uk/comment/comment/general-sir-michael-jackson-army-veterans-need-our-support-for-life-away-from-the-front-line-9882155.html"], ''London Evening Standard, Homeless Veterans Appeal'', 25/11/14</ref>
The charity continues to support the Army family by giving grants to individuals and other specialist charities that help soldiers and their families. It works with veterans from every conflict since the [[Second World War]], including those from recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.<ref>London Evening Standard, [https://www.standard.co.uk/comment/comment/general-sir-michael-jackson-army-veterans-need-our-support-for-life-away-from-the-front-line-9882155.html"], ''London Evening Standard, Homeless Veterans Appeal'', 25/11/14</ref>

In 2010, the charity changed its name to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, in response to external factors within the sector. In November 2023, after research confirmed the name Army Benevolent Fund had remained a widely recognised brand, which resonates powerfully with core supporters and serving soldiers the charity reverted to the name Army Benevolent Fund<ref>{{Cite web |last=charlotte.fiander |date=2023-11-01 |title=Reverting to the Army Benevolent Fund – a message from the Chief Executive |url=https://www.cobseo.org.uk/reverting-to-the-army-benevolent-fund-a-message-from-the-chief-executive/ |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=Cobseo |language=en-GB}}</ref>


== Events ==
== Events ==
Line 29: Line 39:
The charity runs key national events as part of its fundraising activities:
The charity runs key national events as part of its fundraising activities:


'''[http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/charity/alliance-trust-cateran-yomp-seeks-those-who-can-go-the-distance-1.70413 Cateran Yomp]''' – The annual Cateran Yomp sees participants trek across the 54 mile Cateran Trail in Blairgowrie, Perthshire. Since the first Yomp in 2010 it has raised over £1,000,000 for the Charity.<ref>The Courier, [http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/charity/alliance-trust-cateran-yomp-seeks-those-who-can-go-the-distance-1.70413"], ''Alliance Trust Cateran Yomp seeks those who can go the distance'', 22/02/3</ref>
'''The Cateran Yomp''' – The annual Cateran [[Yomp]] sees participants trek across the 54 mile Cateran Trail in [[Blairgowrie and Rattray|Blairgowrie]], Perthshire. Since the first Yomp in 2010 it has raised over £4,400,000 for the Charity.<ref>The Courier, [http://www.thecourier.co.uk/news/charity/alliance-trust-cateran-yomp-seeks-those-who-can-go-the-distance-1.70413"], ''Alliance Trust Cateran Yomp seeks those who can go the distance'', 22/02/3</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Home |url=https://www.soldierscharity.org/yomp |access-date=2022-04-28 |website=ABF The Soldiers' Charity |language=en}}</ref>


⚫
'''Adventure Challenges''' – The charity regularly undertakes a variety of adventure challenges, including tandem skydives with [[Red Devils (Parachute Regiment)|The Red Devils]] (the official parachute display team of both The Parachute Regiment (The Paras) and the British Army), the [[London Marathon]] and the Frontline Walk.
'''Big Curry''' – The national [http://www.getreading.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/berkshire-abf-lunch-raises-19500-8690497 Big Curry month] takes place every October where participants are encouraged to hold a Big Curry charity night. Celebrity supporters of the event include Jamie Oliver, Heston Blumental, the Hairy Bikers, Anjum Anad and Rick Stein.<ref>The Big Curry.org, [http://www.bigcurry.org "The Big Curry"], ''The Big Curry, in support of ABF The Soldiers' Charity''</ref>

'''[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-25229429 British Military Tournament]''' – Following the closure of the Royal Tournament in 2009, the charity formed the British Military Tournament, which ran for four years. The tournament was the biggest of its kind in the UK and featured massed bands, The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery’s Musical Drive, [[Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team|the White Helmets]] and the Field Gun Competition.

'''RHS Chelsea Flower Show''' – Working with designer Charlotte Rowe, the charity created a show garden at the 2014 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The garden “[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/chelseaflowershow/10445857/Chelsea-Flower-Show-2014-First-World-War-is-remembered.html No Man’s Land]” took inspiration from fields of Flanders, and won a [http://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/homes-and-property/gardens/chelsea-show-stoppers-1.1805337 Gold Medal at the show].<ref>The RHS Chelsea Flower Show, [https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/exhibitors/gardens/No-Man%E2%80%99s-Land-ABF-The-Soldiers%E2%80%99-Charity-Garden-to "ABF The Soldiers' Charity show garden No Man's Land at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2014"] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725081751/https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/exhibitors/gardens/No-Man%E2%80%99s-Land-ABF-The-Soldiers%E2%80%99-Charity-Garden-to |date=July 25, 2014 }}, ''The Royal Horticultural
Society'', 24/05/14</ref>

⚫
'''Adventure Challenges''' - The charity regularly undertakes a variety of adventure challenges, including tandem skydives with [[Red Devils (Parachute Regiment)|The Red Devils]] (the official parachute display team of both The Parachute Regiment (The Paras) and the British Army), abseils off the [http://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/news/community/community-news/big-one-abseil-featuring-the-turtles-1-6652627 ‘Big One’ in Blackpool], the Virgin Money [[London Marathon]] and the Ancestry.com Frontline Walk.


== Partner charities ==
== Partner charities ==


ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is a key funder for many specialist organisations who rely on such funding to continue their bespoke support to the Army family and partners, alongside over 80 military Service charities including the Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes, [http://www.redwhiteblueday.co.uk/ RAF Benevolent Fund, Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity], SSAFA,<ref>{{Cite web|title = Home {{!}} SSAFA|url = https://www.ssafa.org.uk/|website = www.ssafa.org.uk|accessdate = 2015-11-17}}</ref> and Combat Stress.
The Army Benevolent Fund is a key funder for many specialist organisations who rely on such funding to continue their bespoke support to the Army family and partners, alongside over 92 military service charities including the [[Royal British Legion]], [[RAF Benevolent Fund]], [[RNRMC|Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity]], [[SSAFA]] and [[Combat Stress (charitable organisation)|Combat Stress]].


== Beneficiaries and ambassadors ==
== Beneficiaries and ambassadors ==


⚫
Every year, thousands of individuals received welfare support from ABF The Soldiers' Charity. Many of these individuals have gone on to become ambassadors for The Soldiers' Charity, sharing their stories in order to raise much needed funds and awareness for the cause. These individuals include:
Every year thousands of individuals are beneficiarie of welfare funding from The Soldiers’ Charity.


⚫
'''Stewart Harris''', former infantryman served with the 1st Battalion [[Welsh Guards|The Welsh Guards]]. Whilst on tour in Afghanistan in 2012, a roadside bomb hurled Stewart's vehicle into a ditch leaving him with brain damage; the impact of which has left him partially sighted and partially deaf. The same year he also witnessed three of his comrades shot dead by an Afghan policeman. Stewart was later diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder before leaving the Army at the age of 28; the culmination of 13 years' service. He now spends his time trying to help other injured soldiers suffering with mental health issues.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-04-18 |title=Stewart |url=https://soldierscharity.org/stories/stewart/ |access-date=2022-04-28 |website=The Soldiers' Charity |language=en-GB}}</ref>
⚫
Many of these individuals have gone on to become ambassadors for The Soldiers’ Charity, sharing their stories in order to raise much needed funds and awareness for the cause. These individuals include:


'''John Cutting''' served in the [[Royal Engineers]] from 1970 to 1974. He joined the Army when he was 18 years old and deployed on back to back tours of Northern Ireland at the height of [[the Troubles]]. John also served as a Reservist in the infantry between 1982 and 1984. John suffers with PTSD and has found therapy in art. He decided to apply for a three-year BA (Hons) degree course in Fine Art at [[Teesside University]] and since specialises in sculptures. With thanks to the Trustees of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Charities (Limited), The Soldiers' Charity stepped in to help John with a bursary to help him with living costs whilst he studies.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-06-04 |title=John's Story |url=https://soldierscharity.org/stories/john-cutting/ |access-date=2022-04-28 |website=The Soldiers' Charity |language=en-GB}}</ref>
[[Micky Yule]], a former Staff Sergeant in the Royal Engineers lost both of his legs in an explosion whilst serving in Afghanistan. Since leaving the Army, Micky has gone on to compete in para-powerlifting at an international level. He was selected to compete for Scotland in the 2014 Commonwealth Games, where he finished 4th in his division and is now in training for Rio 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/olympics/paralympic-sport/11006262/Commonwealth-Games-2014-Micky-Yules-Scottish-pride-after-losing-both-legs-in-Afghanistan.html|title=Commonwealth Games 2014: Micky Yule's Scottish pride after losing both legs in Afghanistan|work=telegraph.co.uk|accessdate=6 September 2016|date=1 August 2014|first=Gareth A.|last=Davies}}</ref>


'''Joseph Connor''', a Trooper with 15th (Scottish) Reconnaissance Regiment, found himself on the frontline of the Allied Invasion of Normandy during [[Operation Overlord]]. He was part of a recce team whose job was to pinpoint enemy positions, often being the driver of the front vehicle going towards the German lines. Joseph has recently been awarded the [[Legion of Honour|Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur]]. ABF The Soldiers' Charity funded a new driveway that allowed Joseph to drive his car and his mobility scooter right up to his front door.
⚫
[http://www.soldierscharity.org/stories/stewart-harris/'''Stewart Harris'''], Former infantryman served with the [http://www.army.mod.uk/infantry/regiments/23991.aspx 1st Battalion The Welsh Guards]. Whilst on tour in Afghanistan in 2012, a roadside bomb hurled Stewart’s vehicle into a ditch leaving him with brain damage; the impact of which has left him partially sighted and partially deaf. The same year he also witnessed three of his comrades shot dead by an Afghan policeman. Stewart was later diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder before leaving the Army at the age of 28; the culmination of 13 years’ service. He now spends his time trying to help other injured soldiers suffering with mental health issues.


'''[[Brenda Hale (Northern Ireland politician)|Brenda Hale]]''', a [[Democratic Unionist Party]] politician in [[Northern Ireland]], lost her husband Captain Mark Hale, 2 RIFLES, when he was serving in Afghanistan in 2009. In 2011 Brenda was elected to the [[Northern Ireland Assembly]] for the [[Lagan Valley]].
'''[[Brenda Hale (Northern Ireland politician)|Brenda Hale]]''', a [[Democratic Unionist Party]] politician in [[Northern Ireland]], lost her husband Captain Mark Hale, 2 RIFLES, when he was serving in Afghanistan in 2009. In 2011 Brenda was elected to the [[Northern Ireland Assembly]] for the [[Lagan Valley]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-01-15 |title=Brenda's Story |url=https://soldierscharity.org/stories/brenda/ |access-date=2022-04-28 |website=The Soldiers' Charity |language=en-GB}}</ref>


[http://www.sthelensstar.co.uk/news/11887183.War_hero_Andy_Reid_to_give_talk_at_1940s_dinner_event_organised_by_St_Helens_student/ '''Andy Reid'''], who lost both his legs and his right arm after stepping on an IED plate whilst serving with the 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment in Afghanistan in 2009. Since recovering from his injuries, Andy has written an autobiography, Standing Tall, and in 2010 was presented with the Overcoming Adversity award at [[The Sun Military Awards]] ceremony. Andy is now a motivational speaker working with some of the UK's leading companies.
'''Andy Reid''', who lost both his legs and his right arm after stepping on an IED plate whilst serving with the 3rd Battalion [[The Yorkshire Regiment]] in Afghanistan in 2009. Since recovering from his injuries, Andy has written an autobiography, ''Standing Tall'', and in 2010 was presented with the Overcoming Adversity award at [[The Sun Military Awards]] ceremony. Andy is now a motivational speaker working with some of the UK's leading companies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=War hero Andy Reid to give talk at 1940s dinner event organised by St Helens student |url=https://www.sthelensstar.co.uk/news/11887183.war-hero-andy-reid-to-give-talk-at-1940s-dinner-event-organised-by-st-helens-student/ |access-date=2022-04-28 |website=St Helens Star |language=en}}</ref>

'''[[Bill Speakman]]''' was awarded the Victoria Cross for actions taken during the Korean War, as a Private in the Black Watch attached to 1st Battalion The Kings Own Scottish Borderers. He was the first man to receive a VC from [[Queen Elizabeth II]].

'''[http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-25320455 Andrew Garthwaite]''', a former soldier, is one of only five people in the world to be fitted with a bionic arm powered by the brain. Andy lost his right arm in a rocket propelled grenade attack whilst serving in Afghanistan with The Queen’s Royal Lancers.

'''[http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/features/at-21-paratrooper-alistair-hodgson-lost-both-legs-in-an-ira-booby-trap-bomb-today-17-years-later-he-is-one-of-the-worlds-best-skydivers-28511230.html Alistair Hodgson]''' – an international skydiving champion and one of the world’s top freeflyers – was injured by a terrorist bomb when serving as a Paratrooper in Northern Ireland in 1992. Suffering severe injuries including the loss of both legs, a broken arm, broken pelvis and fractured spine, he spent seven years in hospital. In 2003 he became Britain’s first-ever double amputee to freefall with the Red Devils Display Team and won Gold in the National Championships.


== High-profile supporters ==
== High-profile supporters ==
{{Unreferenced section|date=November 2021}}

Many high-profile individuals who have provided support for the Charity include people from the worlds of film, TV, sport, music and entertainment, who choose to support the Charity on a wide range of fundraising, awareness and campaigning activity. Previous and ongoing supporters of the Charity include [[J. K. Rowling]] [[Rowan Atkinson]], [[Will Carling]], [[Jeremy Clarkson]], [[Judi Dench]], [[Ben Fogle]], [[Stephen Fry]], [[Michael Gambon]], [[Bear Grylls]], [[Colin Jackson]], [[Alex Jones (Welsh presenter)|Alex Jones]], [[Lorraine Kelly]], [[Josh Lewsey]], [[Gary Lineker]], [[Joanna Lumley]], [[Jason Manford]], [[Michael Morpurgo]], [[Bill Nighy]], [[Jeremy Paxman]], [[Maggie Smith]], [[Caroline Quentin]], [[Dan Snow]], [[Chris Tarrant]], [[Jonny Wilkinson]], [[Ray Winstone]], [[Union J]], [[Blue]], and [[James Blunt]].
High-profile individuals who have provided support for the charity include people from the worlds of film, TV, sport, music and entertainment, who choose to support the charity on a wide range of fundraising, awareness and campaigning activity. Previous and ongoing supporters of the Charity include [[J. K. Rowling]], [[Rowan Atkinson]], [[Will Carling]], [[Jeremy Clarkson]], [[Judi Dench]], [[Ben Fogle]], [[Stephen Fry]], [[Michael Gambon]], [[Bear Grylls]], [[Colin Jackson]], [[Alex Jones (Welsh presenter)|Alex Jones]], [[Lorraine Kelly]], [[Josh Lewsey]], [[Gary Lineker]], [[Joanna Lumley]], [[Jason Manford]], [[Michael Morpurgo]], [[Bill Nighy]], [[Jeremy Paxman]], [[Maggie Smith]], [[Caroline Quentin]], [[Dan Snow]], [[Chris Tarrant]], [[Jonny Wilkinson]], [[Ray Winstone]], [[Union J]], [[Blue (English group)|Blue]], and [[James Blunt]].


== Corporate sponsors ==
== Corporate sponsors ==


The charity has a range of corporate partners and supporters that includes [[MBDA]], [[Alliance Trust]], [[Pandora]], [[Famous Grouse]], [[Barclays]], SLI 365, [[Coutts]], Shearings Holidays and [[BAE Systems]].
The charity has a range of corporate partners and supporters that includes [[MBDA]], [[Barclays]] and [[BAE Systems]].


== Patrons and trustees ==
== Patrons and trustees ==
'''Patron:''' [[Queen Camilla]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-04|title= Royal Patronages Review |url= https://www.royal.uk/patronages-review-2024 |access-date=2024-05-04 |website= The Royal Family |language=en-US}}</ref>


'''President:''' General Sir James Everard KCB CBE<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-05-01 |title=Trustees |url=https://armybenevolentfund.org/governance/trustees/ |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=Army Benevolent Fund |language=en-US}}</ref>
'''Patron''': [[Queen Elizabeth II]]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Jobson|first1=Robert|title=The Queen sends a Christmas message to our veterans: the nation owes a great debt of gratitude to those who risk their lives for us|url=http://www.standard.co.uk/news/veterans/queen-christmas-message-to-our-veterans-we-owe-a-great-debt-of-gratitude-to-those-who-risk-their-lives-for-us-9943704.html|accessdate=20 August 2015|work=London Evening Standard|date=24 December 2014}}</ref>


'''Chair of the Board of Trustees''': Simon Heale<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-05-01 |title=Trustees |url=https://armybenevolentfund.org/governance/trustees/ |access-date=2024-05-01 |website=Army Benevolent Fund |language=en-US}}</ref>
'''Vice Patrons''': Field Marshal [[Edwin Bramall, Baron Bramall|the Lord Bramall]] KG GCB OBE MC, Field Marshal [[Sir John Chapple]] GCB CBE, Field Marshal [[Richard Vincent, Baron Vincent of Coleshill|the Lord Vincent]] GBE KCB DSO, Field Marshal [[the Lord Inge]] KG GCB DL.

'''President''': [https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/general-sir-mike-jackson-its-vital-we-never-say-to-an-old-soldier-we-cannot-help-you-9352832.html General Sir Mike Jackson] GCB CBE DSO DL.

'''Chairman of the Trustees''': Lieutenant General (Retired) Philip Jones.

'''Trustees''': Army Sergeant Major [[Glenn Haughton]]


==See also==
==See also==


[[RAF Benevolent Fund]], [[RNRMC]], [[SSAFA]], [[The Royal British Legion]]
* [[RAF Benevolent Fund]]
* [[RNRMC]]
* [[SSAFA]]
* [[The Royal British Legion]]

⚫
==External links==
*[http://www.soldierscharity.org/ ABF - The Soldiers Charity]
⚫
*{{EW charity|1146420}}
⚫
*{{Scottish charity|SC039189}}


== References ==
== References ==


{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

⚫
==External links==
*[https://armybenevolentfund.org/ Army Benevolent Fund]
⚫
*{{EW charity|1146420|Army Benevolent Fund}}
⚫
*{{Scottish charity|SC039189|name=Army Benevolent Fund}}


[[Category:British veterans' organisations]]
[[Category:British veterans' organisations]]

Latest revision as of 14:38, 22 May 2024

Army Benevolent Fund
Formation1944
TypeBritish military support charity
PurposeSupporting British Armed Forces veterans, serving personnel and immediate family members
HeadquartersLondon
Region servedUnited Kingdom, Ireland (pre-1922)
Official languageEnglish
Chief executive officerMajor General (Ret’d) Tim Hyams CB OBE
Websitehttps://armybenevolentfund.org/

The Army Benevolent Fund, formerly ABF The Soldiers' Charity, is the national charity of the British Army. Since 1944, it has provided a lifetime of support to soldiers, veterans and their immediate families when they are in need.

In the financial year 22/23, the charity helped 70,000 people in 45 countries worldwide, and funded 74 other charities and organisations that deliver frontline services.[1]

History

[edit]

Winston Churchill’s War Cabinet discussed the formation of the Army Benevolent Fund a national charity for the British Army to ensure support would be available for soldiers, veterans and their families in peacetime. The Army Benevolent Fund was founded in 1944 as the Army Benevolent Fund. The demobilisation of soldiers after the two World Wars had put an enormous strain on Regimental and Corps charitable funds and highlighted the need for a national charity to give practical help to soldiers and veterans. Its first patron was King George VI, who was later succeeded by Queen Elizabeth II and then Queen Camilla.[2]

The charity continues to support the Army family by giving grants to individuals and other specialist charities that help soldiers and their families. It works with veterans from every conflict since the Second World War, including those from recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.[3]

In 2010, the charity changed its name to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, in response to external factors within the sector. In November 2023, after research confirmed the name Army Benevolent Fund had remained a widely recognised brand, which resonates powerfully with core supporters and serving soldiers the charity reverted to the name Army Benevolent Fund[4]

Events

[edit]

The charity runs key national events as part of its fundraising activities:

The Cateran Yomp – The annual Cateran Yomp sees participants trek across the 54 mile Cateran Trail in Blairgowrie, Perthshire. Since the first Yomp in 2010 it has raised over £4,400,000 for the Charity.[5][6]

Adventure Challenges – The charity regularly undertakes a variety of adventure challenges, including tandem skydives with The Red Devils (the official parachute display team of both The Parachute Regiment (The Paras) and the British Army), the London Marathon and the Frontline Walk.

Partner charities

[edit]

The Army Benevolent Fund is a key funder for many specialist organisations who rely on such funding to continue their bespoke support to the Army family and partners, alongside over 92 military service charities including the Royal British Legion, RAF Benevolent Fund, Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, SSAFA and Combat Stress.

Beneficiaries and ambassadors

[edit]

Every year, thousands of individuals received welfare support from ABF The Soldiers' Charity. Many of these individuals have gone on to become ambassadors for The Soldiers' Charity, sharing their stories in order to raise much needed funds and awareness for the cause. These individuals include:

Stewart Harris, former infantryman served with the 1st Battalion The Welsh Guards. Whilst on tour in Afghanistan in 2012, a roadside bomb hurled Stewart's vehicle into a ditch leaving him with brain damage; the impact of which has left him partially sighted and partially deaf. The same year he also witnessed three of his comrades shot dead by an Afghan policeman. Stewart was later diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder before leaving the Army at the age of 28; the culmination of 13 years' service. He now spends his time trying to help other injured soldiers suffering with mental health issues.[7]

John Cutting served in the Royal Engineers from 1970 to 1974. He joined the Army when he was 18 years old and deployed on back to back tours of Northern Ireland at the height of the Troubles. John also served as a Reservist in the infantry between 1982 and 1984. John suffers with PTSD and has found therapy in art. He decided to apply for a three-year BA (Hons) degree course in Fine Art at Teesside University and since specialises in sculptures. With thanks to the Trustees of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Charities (Limited), The Soldiers' Charity stepped in to help John with a bursary to help him with living costs whilst he studies.[8]

Joseph Connor, a Trooper with 15th (Scottish) Reconnaissance Regiment, found himself on the frontline of the Allied Invasion of Normandy during Operation Overlord. He was part of a recce team whose job was to pinpoint enemy positions, often being the driver of the front vehicle going towards the German lines. Joseph has recently been awarded the Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur. ABF The Soldiers' Charity funded a new driveway that allowed Joseph to drive his car and his mobility scooter right up to his front door.

Brenda Hale, a Democratic Unionist Party politician in Northern Ireland, lost her husband Captain Mark Hale, 2 RIFLES, when he was serving in Afghanistan in 2009. In 2011 Brenda was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly for the Lagan Valley.[9]

Andy Reid, who lost both his legs and his right arm after stepping on an IED plate whilst serving with the 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment in Afghanistan in 2009. Since recovering from his injuries, Andy has written an autobiography, Standing Tall, and in 2010 was presented with the Overcoming Adversity award at The Sun Military Awards ceremony. Andy is now a motivational speaker working with some of the UK's leading companies.[10]

High-profile supporters

[edit]

High-profile individuals who have provided support for the charity include people from the worlds of film, TV, sport, music and entertainment, who choose to support the charity on a wide range of fundraising, awareness and campaigning activity. Previous and ongoing supporters of the Charity include J. K. Rowling, Rowan Atkinson, Will Carling, Jeremy Clarkson, Judi Dench, Ben Fogle, Stephen Fry, Michael Gambon, Bear Grylls, Colin Jackson, Alex Jones, Lorraine Kelly, Josh Lewsey, Gary Lineker, Joanna Lumley, Jason Manford, Michael Morpurgo, Bill Nighy, Jeremy Paxman, Maggie Smith, Caroline Quentin, Dan Snow, Chris Tarrant, Jonny Wilkinson, Ray Winstone, Union J, Blue, and James Blunt.

Corporate sponsors

[edit]

The charity has a range of corporate partners and supporters that includes MBDA, Barclays and BAE Systems.

Patrons and trustees

[edit]

Patron: Queen Camilla[11]

President: General Sir James Everard KCB CBE[12]

Chair of the Board of Trustees: Simon Heale[13]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "ANNUAL REPORT & CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022-23". Army Benevolent Fund. 20 December 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
  2. ^ "Her Majesty The Queen announced as Patron of the Army Benevolent Fund". Army Benevolent Fund. 9 May 2024. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  3. ^ London Evening Standard, ", London Evening Standard, Homeless Veterans Appeal, 25/11/14
  4. ^ charlotte.fiander (1 November 2023). "Reverting to the Army Benevolent Fund – a message from the Chief Executive". Cobseo. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
  5. ^ The Courier, ", Alliance Trust Cateran Yomp seeks those who can go the distance, 22/02/3
  6. ^ "Home". ABF The Soldiers' Charity. Retrieved 28 April 2022.
  7. ^ "Stewart". The Soldiers' Charity. 18 April 2016. Retrieved 28 April 2022.
  8. ^ "John's Story". The Soldiers' Charity. 4 June 2019. Retrieved 28 April 2022.
  9. ^ "Brenda's Story". The Soldiers' Charity. 15 January 2021. Retrieved 28 April 2022.
  10. ^ "War hero Andy Reid to give talk at 1940s dinner event organised by St Helens student". St Helens Star. Retrieved 28 April 2022.
  11. ^ "Royal Patronages Review". The Royal Family. 4 May 2024. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
  12. ^ "Trustees". Army Benevolent Fund. 1 May 2015. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
  13. ^ "Trustees". Army Benevolent Fund. 1 May 2015. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Army_Benevolent_Fund&oldid=1225125580"