Soldiering On Awards finalists celebrated at the House of Lords
A private reception to celebrate the finalists of the 2023 Soldiering On Awards and shine a spotlight on their vital contribution to the military community has been held at the House of Lords.
The awards, now in their 13th year, celebrate the very best of the Armed Forces community, across a diverse spectrum of 12 categories from Healthcare and Rehabilitation to Business of the Year and Animal Partnership.
The award's mission is to celebrate ordinary people doing extraordinary things like Peter Lewin from finalist Pete Lewin Newfoundlands – a non-profit organisation offering emotional support to emergency services and military veterans struggling with their mental health – who said: "When I got nominated for this, for doing stuff that I'm going to do anyway, it's amazing."
The reception, at the prestigious Palace of Westminster, was attended by the 36 finalists, their nominators, defence and Government leaders and partners from military charities and big business, all keen to pay tribute to the inspiring stories of endeavour and devotion to improving lives in the Armed Forces community.
There were also four-legged friends and some familiar faces such as former RAF navigator John Nichol, Veterans' Minister Johnny Mercer, RAF veteran Caroline Paige, broadcaster Jeremy Vine and actress Vicki Michelle.
Representing Chief of the General Staff General Sir Patrick Sanders at the event was senior British Army officer Major General Gerald Strickland who addressed the room with praise for the achievements of the shortlisted individuals and organisations.
Speaking with Forces News, Maj Gen Gerald Strickland, said: "The Soldiering On Awards recognise the enormous support that the British Armed Forces get from a huge range of people across society and the ability and the opportunity to recognise some of those people, particularly the 36 finalists who we've got here tonight, is just wonderful.
"So, on behalf of the Chief of the General Staff, who I'm representing here tonight, just really well done to all of them."
The online public vote, which was officially opened during the event, will determine the winners of three categories – the Animal Partnership Award, the Sporting Excellence Award and the Inspiration Award.
You can vote at soldieringon.org until the online voting portal closes at 23:59 on Sunday 6 August.
Awards' chair General the Lord Dannatt led a distinguished panel of independent judges who chose from an outstanding field of nominations to select a shortlist of 36 finalists, three per category.
The winners will be announced at a glittering black-tie event hosted by special guest presenter Jeremy Vine at the Park Plaza Hotel, Westminster Bridge, on Wednesday 27 September 2023.
General the Lord Richard Dannatt, chair of the independent judging panel, said: "I would like to express my appreciation to everyone who has contributed to this immensely valuable endeavour.
"To the judges, for generously dedicating their precious time to carefully choose the finalists, and to all the nominators and nominees for their outstanding efforts in presenting these stories, every one of which showcased impressive talent, dedication, and achievements.
"These awards embody the true spirit of this special community and I congratulate this year's 36 finalists, who serve as exemplary role models for each and every one of us."
Laura Blair, head of Centrica's Ex-Forces Pathway, said: "At Centrica, we believe every finalist nominated for the 2023 Soldiering on Awards is an exceptional example of the very best that community produces.
"Centrica is delighted, humbled and honoured to sponsor this year's finalists' reception at the House of Lords.
"It is a privilege for us to be involved in this common purpose, celebrating the stories of 36 outstanding finalists, all of whom have shown attributes such as determination, entrepreneurship, resolve and selfless commitment."
The full list of finalists is published at soldieringon.org.
The reception was sponsored by energy services company Centrica, whose ex-forces pathway is recruiting hundreds of ex-military personnel to assist in the transition to Net Zero.
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