Incredible contributions recognised at Celebrating Forces Families Awards
The Celebrating Forces Families (CFF) Awards have taken place at the De Vere Connaught Rooms in London to acknowledge the contributions, resilience, and achievements of the UK Armed Forces families.
This year's occasion was packed with heartwarming stories and brand-new features, making it a night to remember.
BFBS Forces News reporter Sian Grzeszczyk Melbourne returned to host the event for her third year, alongside new co-host Richard Jones, a magician and former soldier.
"It's so important to highlight the courage and hard work of individuals and groups within the forces community, and the CFF Awards have done a fantastic job to ensure their stories have been celebrated," Mr Jones said.
The magician wowed the guests during the event with his breathtaking magic, which blended illusion with heartfelt tributes to military life, leaving the audience both entertained and deeply moved.
In a heartwarming moment during the ceremony, Jacob Mason, 14, recited a moving poem, This is Normal for Me, which he had written when he was 10.
His performance of the poem, which came in second place in the international Never Such Innocence competition, received a standing ovation from the audience.
The poem was written to give a voice to the silent sacrifices made by military children every day.
The Jacob's Medal initiative was launched this year and presented to every child nominated for the People's Award.
The award highlights the bravery and strength of military children everywhere.
The ceremony brought together military families, serving personnel, and supporters from across the UK, who listened to inspirational speeches and watched captivating entertainment.
The Winners
The ceremony culminated in the announcement of the winners. The winners of the awards showed "courage" and "compassion", the CFF said.
Here is a list of the awards and their recipients:
Armed Forces Advocate Award:
The Forces Additional Needs & Disability Forum (FANDF) was created 35 years ago, and it is a volunteer-led tri-service group supporting forces families with additional needs and disabilities.
The FANDF campaigns for improved resources, awareness, and policy changes to benefit their nearly 1,000 members.
Away From Home Award:
Kellie Reagan McGinley-Smith has made an extraordinary impact during her assignment in Kathmandu, Nepal, as she has overcome significant challenges to enrich the British Gurkhas Nepal (BGN) and local communities.
She has revitalised the BGN library and established a highly successful welfare community hub, creating a space for learning and connection.
Military Family Charity Award:
FAB (Families' Activity Breaks) hosts fully funded, week-long activity camps for bereaved military families, offering helpful respite from grief and everyday challenges.
These camps, staffed by committed volunteers, allow families to meet others with similar experiences and foster friendships along the way.
Business Award:
Compass Group UK&I has a longstanding commitment to the Armed Forces community. Its spouse policy supports military spouses with job relocations, extra leave for deployment, and recognition through its annual Spouses Day.
The company has grown its impact by launching spouse and advocacy roundtable events, where best practices are shared with more than 20 companies to inspire similar initiatives.
Inspirational Adult Family Member – Headline Award:
Ashleigh Bailey, a mother of four, has dedicated herself to supporting and improving the Armed Forces community with her unwavering commitment.
She acts as the RAF Benson choir lead, making a safe and welcoming space for members to connect and enjoy music. The choir has raised more than £600 and organised several events to keep going.
Overcoming Adversity Award:
Jilly Carrell has turned personal tragedy into advocacy after Jilly lost her husband, Nick, to brain cancer once he had returned from his sixth tour of Afghanistan. Jilly has faced eviction and pension battles while raising her two young daughters.
She founded Beyond the Wire CIC, which provides help, research, and advocacy to address systemic issues.
Small Business Owner Award:
Hannah Quinn - Hannah's Brow Room is a thriving beauty business that offers a wide range of beauty services to the local community based in her military home.
She has changed her business to suit each location, creating professional, tranquil spaces while juggling her family life with three children and her husband’s deployments. Hannah has gained recognition from high-profile professionals as she has grown her business to have more than 1,000 social media followers.
Social Media Influencer Award:
Even Keel Podcast was created by Annalise Shaw and Sadie Marie McLelland to help support Royal Navy spouses and partners, particularly those living away from bases and feeling lonely.
The podcast, launched last year, looks at important aspects of Navy life, such as solo parenting, deployments, and mental health, in a safe environment. Their initiative includes Instagram, a WhatsApp support group, deployment planners and community events.
Family Volunteer Award:
Kim Mendham has dedicated more than 22 years as a military spouse to supporting her family and community. Kim, now based at Catterick, volunteers for more than 850 hours annually and distributes food to those in need through local shelters and the Olio app.
Young People’s Award:
Alfie-Jon Purchase,10, has handwritten and delivered more than 3,000 cards to military families, veterans and care home residents since 2021 throughout Christmas, Easter and Valentine's Day.
He lives with autism and is the son of an RAF Survival Equipment Technician and has been recognised by the Chief of the Air Staff and Royal Mail.
Public Service Champion Award:
Shropshire Council Armed Forces Outreach Project gives crucial support to serving personnel, veterans, and their families. Shropshire Council started the initiative in 2018 to connect individuals with tailored resources for employment, housing, mental health, and welfare.
The initiative organises outreach events across the region, offers safe spaces for support, and tackles social isolation and PTSD. The project has helped more than 120 cases in the past three years.
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