Soldiering On Awards: People's Choice Finalist The Not Forgotten Association

The Soldiering On Awards have announced that voting is now officially underway for the People's Choice Award, recognising the achievements of those who have served their country and the diverse people and groups who work together in support of the Armed Forces community.

We've taken a look at the fantastic work undertaken by each of the finalists - amongst whom is the Not Forgotten Association...

The Not Forgotten Association was formed in 1920 to provide comfort, cheer and entertainment for injured service personnel.

It aims to enable veterans and service personnel to get together to share stories, open up about their struggles and share coping strategies.

The charity has been nominated by a Gulf War veteran who suffers from physical ailments and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of their service.

They were introduced to it at a time of their life when they had hit rock bottom, having attempted to take their own life and spent time in a psychiatric hospital.

Listening to other veterans' stories, what they had been through and how many had struggled, especially with nightmares, helped them realise that they weren't on their own.

Despite losing their records in an air raid in 1941, they're reasonably confident that about one million men and women have benefitted from the charity since it was founded.

The Association continues to ensure that those who have proudly served their country and are suffering as a result, will not be forgotten. 

They've since attended events like a Buckingham Palace garden party and took part in the National Three Peaks Challenge, which sees participants climb the highest mountains of England, Scotland and Wales in 24 hours. They said:

"They have quite literally saved my life... We begin to feel comfortable about being honest - because the guy sitting next to you understands exactly where you are coming from, and doesn't judge you."

"You start to trust people again, and no longer feel like you are a nutcase or a hypochondriac. You feel that you are no longer forgotten and that you do matter."

The charity has just nine staff working at its head office and most are part-time, but yet it tries to support at least 10,000 veterans a year.

It boasts characters like its Head of Events Rosie Thompson, who has personally raised over £100,000 by running marathons across the world, raising much-needed funds and raising the charity's profile.

The People's Choice Award, sponsored by Forces Network, is being selected by public vote before the winner is announced at a black-tie ceremony on April 20.

Members of the public have until midnight on March 12 to give a huge boost of morale to people who deserve all the support we can give them in their dedication to the Armed Forces community - through one easy click on a voting website.

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