You're the beating heart of the military community, Soldiering On finalists told
The finalists for the 2025 Soldiering On Awards have been told their exceptional deeds makes them the "beating heart" of the military community.
The awards, which are now in their 15th year, shine a light on the unwavering spirit of the Armed Forces community and honours ordinary people who have achieved the extraordinary.
Across 12 diverse categories including Family Values, Animal Partnership and Defence Inclusivity, this year's finalists embody resilience, humility and selflessness.
Co-Chairs of Judges Lieutenant General (Ret'd) Richard Nugee and Debra Allcock-Tyler, the CEO of the Directory of Social Change, led the panel in an incredibly tough judging process.
From an inspiring field of nominations, they selected 38 outstanding finalists.
Their courage, compassion and commitment will be honoured at a reception in July at the House of Lords, hosted by awards patron Earl Howe.
The winners will be revealed at a ceremony on 22 October at London's Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel, where broadcaster Jeremy Vine will once again act as host.
Members of the public will also have their say when voting in two categories – Animal Partnership and Inspiration – goes live on www.soldieringon.org between 15 July and 26 August.
Earl Howe said: "I am immensely proud to reveal this year's finalists, individuals, initiatives and organisations who go above and beyond in service of others.
"Their quiet strength and total devotion are deeply humbling.
"These awards are a chance to give back, to point a national spotlight on those who do not seek recognition, but so richly deserve it."
Veterans Minister Al Carns said: "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.
"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."
Lieutenant Colonel Ren Kapur, the CEO of the Soldiering On Awards and Academy, said: "Every nomination tells a wonderful story of courage, passion and community.
"The humility with which these individuals carry their accomplishments is deeply moving.
"The Soldiering On Awards play a vital role in recognising their efforts and amplifying their voices.
"Congratulations to all our 2025 finalists - you are the beating heart of our military family and an inspiration to us all."
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. The winner will be decided by public vote.
- 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. The winner will be decided by public vote.
- 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
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