Soldiering On Awards: Finalists gather for celebration of extraordinary achievement

Finalists of this year's Soldiering On Awards have been honoured at a reception at the Palace of Westminster, hosted by the Rt Hon Earl Howe, the awards' patron.

Now in their 15th year, the awards celebrate excellence within the Armed Forces community across 12 categories.

Tri-service personnel, reservists, veterans, charities and members of the defence industry gathered to celebrate the 38 finalists and lift the lid on their achievements.

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The awards categories up for grabs include family values, animal partnership and defence inclusivity.

Organisers say this year's chosen finalists embody resilience, humility and selflessness.

Speaking at the event, Chief of Defence People Vice Admiral Phil Hally acknowledged their extraordinary accomplishments.

"Just imagine what you could all do with the stories that we have in this room – the power they have to inspire others," he said.

"Some of the stories also describe how service can bring unimaginable sacrifice and personal challenge for both service people and their families.

"We must never forget the families who are actually the people who allow us to serve."

Veterans Minister Al Carns also attended the gathering and praised the vital contributions finalists have already made to the Armed Forces community.

"The 2025 Soldiering On Awards finalists embody the very best of our Armed Forces community, and I'm delighted to congratulate them all on their well-deserved recognition," he said.

"Their selfless commitment goes beyond duty, demonstrating what it truly means to serve your country and this government is committed to renewing the nation's contract with those who serve."

The public is invited to cast their votes by 3 August to support their favourite nominees via this link.

The finalists will find out whether they have been successful at an awards ceremony on 22 October hosted by BBC broadcaster Jeremy Vine.

One of the finalists at the event was Indian-born Major Munah Chauhan, an Army surgeon.

"I'm thrilled and very grateful to be nominated for an inclusivity award," he said.

"When I first moved to the UK, it was a very lonely place – and then I joined the British Army, and it felt even more lonely because there weren't many faces like myself in the Army.

"Since then, I've made it my mission to make sure people are seen, people are included and people are heard.

"One mission I am doing this year is I am walking 1,000km to remember the fallen soldiers from the British Indian Army who lost their lives, the brave soldiers who contributed to World War One and World War Two," he added.

Major Chauhan has also previously organised hot meals for homeless people on Christmas Day in London.

Soldiering On Awards Finalists 2025

Animal Partnership Award – in partnership with Pets at Home (Public Vote)  

An award to honour the unique relationships and companionship provided by animals, and/or the achievements of individuals or organisations engaged with animals that support and empower members of the Armed Forces community.  

• Archie and Cocoa  
• Richard Mearns and Assistance Dog Ziggy  
• Vicky McLennan and Dexter  

Inspiration Award – in partnership with NatWest (Public Vote)

An award to honour a person that has overcome significant challenges, injury or disability, and whose ongoing or past outstanding achievements are an inspiration to others within the Armed Forces community. 

• Anna Baker Cresswell 
• Gregg Stevenson MBE 
• Joanne Gordon 
• Mark Ormrod MBE  

Healthcare & Rehabilitation Award – in partnership with Redwood Technologies Group

An award to honour a person or team that has demonstrated a major commitment and contribution in support of the physical or mental welfare of serving or former members of the Armed Forces community. This may be through healthcare, therapeutic treatment or rehabilitation services and support.

• Combat Stress – QED Team 
• Karolina Grzyb 
• Veterans at Ease  

Defence Inclusivity Award – in partnership with Barclays

An award to honour the commitment and achievements of an individual, team or organisation in delivering greater diversity and inclusion within UK defence and the Armed Forces community.   

• Maj Munish Chauhan  
• Lt Col Rachel Diss (ACF)  
• WO1 Sim Rezazadeh-Wilson

Family Values Award – in partnership with Right Management

An Award to honour a person, family or group whose selfless commitment, dedication and support for others in the Armed Forces Community ensures that they are cared for, supported or helped. This selfless act is therefore a shining example to society.

• Joanne Gordon  
• Park Holidays UK 
• Veterans in Crisis Sunderland

Business Start-Up Award – in partnership with GKN Aerospace

An award to honour an individual or group of individuals linked with the Armed Forces community who have started a successful new business venture within the last two years (since 1 January 2022) and who still retain a minimum of 50% interest in the venture.

• Laura Gardner – Purendure 
• Lotty Laverton – Weebert's World at We Are Bert Ltd  
• Rob Colley – Thrival Instinct  

Business Scale Up Award – in partnership with LSEG Foundation 

An award to honour an individual or group of individuals linked with the Armed Forces community who have started a successful new business venture more than two years ago (before 1 January 2022) and who still retain a minimum of 50% interest in the venture.

• Aaron Florence – Brimstone Site Investigation 
• Adam Casey and Nathan Tittensor – tmc3 Ltd 
• Paul Montgomery – Sir-Fix-A-Lock

Community Impact Award – in partnership with BAE Systems

An award to honour a charity, social enterprise, or other third sector organisation that has made a significant positive impact on the lives of specific beneficiary cohorts within the Armed Forces community. This impact should be evidenced within the last three years, since 1 January 2022.

• Active Plus CIC 
• RBLI 
• Scotty's Little Soldiers

Education, Training & Development Award – in partnership with Reed in Partnership

An award to honour excellence in the provision of vocational education, training or skills development. This may be in the fields of preparatory, ongoing or transitional development for members of the wider Armed Forces community. The provision could be delivered by an individual, team or organisation.

• Andy Gallie 
• TechVets 
• Essex Army Cadets and the Royal College of Nursing  

Employee Champion Award – in partnership with Landmarc Solutions

An award to honour an exceptional individual who has made a significant contribution to support members of the Armed Forces community achieve success within civilian roles, championing the employability of service leavers, reservists, veterans, spouses and family members.

• Chris Ackerman – Mott MacDonald  
• Gary Woodford – RBLI  
• Nicky Howse – Barclays  
• Steven Chessell – JLR

Working Together Award – in partnership with Forces in Mind Trust

An award to honour a group of people, team or organisation that has demonstrated an enduring commitment to a collaborative approach, engaging with others to support the sector within the wider Armed Forces community.

• Barratt Redrow 
• Cleveland Police 
• East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust – Armed Forces Veteran Team

Lifetime Achievement Award – in partnership with Oracle

An award to honour a person whose lifetime of dedicated service has provided a significant contribution in support of the Armed Forces community.

• Dr David Trotman 
• Richard Tucker MBE 
• Sarah Geddes