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Kebab Awards Ceremony To Raise Money For UK Veterans

The British Kebab Awards will raise money for a charity supporting veterans' mental health, it's been announced.

The fifth edition of the self-proclaimed 'most glamorous awards ceremony of the year' is taking place on Sunday, after receiving thousands of nominations over the past 12 months.

Now, it'll officially raise money for Combat Stress, which helps tackle post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety in veterans.

Organiser Ibrahim Dogus, a Londoner born into a Kurdish family from Turkey, worked his way up from being a waiter in a kebab restaurant.

Speaking to Forces Network, he said kebabs had proved popular with military personnel in his experience.

The businessman added that he had become "very interested" in the "brilliant work" that Combat Stress does. He continued:

"[The Armed Forces protect our] country's security and our security. They sacrifice more than anyone else for our own protection... [as] they are willing to sacrifice their own lives."

Dogus, who runs the Centre for Turkey Studies (CEFTUS) think-tank, added:

"I've always thought people like me, from diverse communities, contribute so much [to British society]. I wanted to raise the profile of the industry and the people involved."

Among the public figures to show support for the awards are former Defence Secretary and current Secretary of State for International Trade Dr Liam Fox, who said:

"The kebab industry has made a significant contribution towards the UK economy and shows an entrepreneurial spirit through each and every successful small business venture."

"I recognise the care and commitment to excellence that this year's winners show and I would like to congratulate them on their achievement."

To find out how to attend the awards ceremony, which is taking place at the Westminster Park Plaza Hotel, click here. If you'd like to find out who's in the running, click here.