Soldiering On Awards: Winners of resilience and inspiration from Armed Forces community
Personnel from across the Armed Forces have been recognised for their extraordinary achievements, resilience and service beyond duty at the 15th annual Soldiering On Awards.
Thirteen winners from the UK were celebrated from a range of categories, including business and community impact, to healthcare, education and inspiration.
Among the winners were Mark Ormrod, who won the Inspiration Award. He is the UK's first triple amputee from the Afghanistan conflict.
The former Royal Marines Commando has inspired many with his determination to learn to walk again following his injury, has won gold at the Invictus Games and raised more than £1 million for veterans.
Speaking at the event, he told BFBS Forces News: "It's very humbling. There were other incredible stories in the category; it's an honour to be the winner of the category.
"It's great to be here, I love this environment, this community, the Armed Forces serving and the veteran world.
"It's home to me," he said.
Mr Ormrod, who served in the Royal Marines for 10 years, explained what happened in Afghanistan.
"On Christmas Eve 2007, I was second in command of a routine foot patrol in Afghanistan, and I stood on and detonated an improvised explosive device, which took off both my legs from above the knee and my right arm above the elbow."
He added that the incident "gave me the unenviable title of the UK's first triple amputee from the conflict".
The awards night also honoured the animal community that work alongside the Armed Forces.
Major Archie Douglas and Bravehound alert dog Cocoa won the Animal Partnership Award.
Cocoa is a trained to detect when Archie is unwell and alert others. As the first Bravehound alert dog, she allows Archie to live life to the fullest and shows just how life-changing assistance dogs can be.
Dr David Trotman was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for his 50 years of support to the Armed Forces community.
With his background as a scientist, he founded Woody's Lodge in 2011, which is now a Welsh charity helping more than 7,000 veterans and families.
Dr Trotman also helped fund PTSD awareness.
Scotty's Little Soldiers, a charity that supports bereaved military children, jointly won the Community Impact Award with Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI), which has helped veterans with homelessness, disability, or the long-term impacts of service.
The RBLI, which is separate to the Royal British Legion and the Poppy Appeal, has developed a £28m village in Kent providing homes, care, and tailored support to those who need it most.
The awards night was presented with performances both in the civilian and Armed Forces world.
Matt Goss, the lead singer of 1980s pop group Bros, was one of the performers.
He said he "felt honoured" to be at the awards night.
"To be around inspirational people that really, really put life in perspective, it just amplifies how I feel we should really look after, not just serving [personnel], but the veterans.”
"I wrote the song Not Forgotten, and it's really the line in the chorus 'still waiting for you to come through the door', and that's obviously to see soldiers in action and soldiers that come home that are not the same. It's a journey that I'm personally connected to," Mr Goss added.
The night also featured performances by the British Army's Multicultural Network, supported by Brigadier Karl Harris.
It celebrated the contribution of soldiers from across the Commonwealth and the importance of unity and allyship.
"To be an Army with an unwavering will to win, where people feel they belong and talent is nurtured, we must draw on the best talent available and create opportunities for everyone," said Brig Harris.
"Our diversity is our strength, and it is vital that everyone sees role models, feels welcomed, and is empowered to succeed."
The 2025 ceremony marked the first attendance of Louise Sandher-Jones, Minister for Veterans and People, since taking office earlier this year.
She said: "These awards not only celebrate extraordinary achievements but also highlight the strength, resilience, and innovation that define our veteran and service community.
"As Minister for Veterans and People, I am deeply proud of the contribution they make to our society.
"This government is committed to renewing the nation's contract with those who serve, ensuring they and their families receive the recognition, opportunities, and support they so rightly deserve."
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