Veterans’ Foundation

Raising funds to provide a better life for armed forces veterans in need.
Awarded £25m to 500+ charities UK military charities to date.

[Veterans’ Foundation @VeteransFdn]

Simon Weston became Britain's most well-known veteran when he returned from the Falklands Conflict with life-changing injuries.
Find out more about the day his ship - the Sir Galahad - was hit by an Argentine bomb, how his remarkable resilience captured the nation's heart, and why he found himself at rock-bottom after struggling to come to terms with what he saw when he first looked in the mirror.
*You can help heroes like Simon by playing the Veterans’ Lottery – this month’s jackpot is £75,000!
Join here: https://t.co/PGbIoFinVD

[Veterans’ Foundation @VeteransFdn]

In 2010, Dave Watson lost both legs and his right arm after stepping on an IED while serving in Afghanistan. His injuries were so severe that he died three times on the journey back to safety.

Today, Dave is a husband, father, Invictus Games gold medallist, and fundraiser for the Veterans' Foundation, helping raise vital funds for charities that support veterans and their families.

"What happened in Afghanistan was the making of me."

Thank you, Dave, for your service and your hard work raising vital funds for the armed forces community. 👏❤️

[Veterans’ Foundation @VeteransFdn]

Quilting a legacy of service and remembrance. 🌺

Funded by a Veterans' Foundation Small Grant, the Windrush Poppy Quilt honours African and Caribbean members of the Windrush Generation who served in the British Armed Forces during WW2.

Created through workshops with veterans, cadets and community groups, the quilt celebrates service, preserves heritage and brings people together through creativity and remembrance.

The quilt is now exhibiting at The Poppy Factory, 20 Petersham Rd, Richmond TW10 6UR

[Veterans’ Foundation @VeteransFdn]

Today on Reserves Day, we’re celebrating Corporal Liz Harris. Liz has received the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Meritorious Service, one of the highest honours awarded to Reservists. She serves with the Royal Signals (Northern) Band, performing on saxophone while also leading the band’s media team. Her work has helped raise the band’s profile, support recruitment and strengthen local community links. From a proud Royal Signals family, Liz says the Army Reserve has given her confidence, friendships and a “second family”. Reservists like Liz give their spare time to serve alongside civilian life, ready to support the nation when needed. Congratulations, Cpl Harris. 👏 https://t.co/7P1A8aEJtt

[Veterans’ Foundation @VeteransFdn]

🇬🇧 Today, we recognise and celebrate the dedication of the UK’s Reserve Forces.

Reservists balance military service alongside civilian careers, family life and community commitments, bringing valuable skills, experience and resilience wherever they serve.

At Veterans’ Foundation, we’re proud to back organisations that support serving personnel, veterans and their families across the UK. Today is an opportunity to thank all Reservists for the contribution they make to our Armed Forces and the communities around them.

Thank you for your service.

Photo: Lt Col John Skliros © Crown copyright 2013. Licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

[Veterans’ Foundation @VeteransFdn]

🎉 Happy 100th Birthday to aviation veteran Lance Brice.

Lance began his career as a 14-year-old apprentice in Yeovil just before the outbreak of the Second World War. During the war he helped build the wings of the iconic Spitfire, contributing to the aircraft that helped defend Britain’s skies.

He later served during National Service with the Fleet Air Arm and went on to spend 51 years helping shape the UK's aviation industry, working on aircraft and helicopters that supported generations of military personnel.

As Lance celebrates his centenary, we honour a lifetime of service, skill and dedication.

Please join us in wishing Lance a very happy 100th birthday. 🎂🇬🇧

https://t.co/mHlsI5ox1I

[Veterans’ Foundation @VeteransFdn]

British troops washing clothes and relaxing in camp during Exercise 'Fabius', 6 May 1944.

[Veterans’ Foundation @VeteransFdn]

After 24 years in the British Army, Craig Perry now uses his experience to support fellow veterans in the justice system.

Working with the Probation Service, he helps veterans in custody access specialist support, strengthen their wellbeing and build positive futures beyond prison.

His story is a powerful reminder that the skills developed through military service – resilience, communication and self-discipline – continue to make a real difference long after leaving the Armed Forces.

Supporting successful transitions to civilian life is vital. When veterans receive the right support at the right time, individuals, families and communities all benefit.

https://t.co/n9WsLpOKMW

[Veterans’ Foundation @VeteransFdn]

Lest we forget.🌺

[Veterans’ Foundation @VeteransFdn]

As we mark 10 years of the Veterans’ Foundation, we want to thank every supporter, follower and partner who has helped us get here.

Together, we've backed organisations across the UK that are making a real difference to veterans. Thank you. ❤️

[Veterans’ Foundation @VeteransFdn]

Today, we remember Sgt Steven William ‘Darbs’ Darbyshire of 40 Commando Royal Marines, serving with Combined Force Sangin, who lost his life in Afghanistan on 23 June 2010.

Lest we forget.🌺

Artist: Kev Wills MBE

[Veterans’ Foundation @VeteransFdn]

🇬🇧❤️ A special day for Second World War and D-Day veteran Bob Piper.

Bob recently visited the Weald & Downland Living Museum as a VIP guest to see the historic blacksmith’s shop he donated to the museum nearly 50 years ago.

During his visit, Bob was treated to a heartfelt rendition of Happy Birthday from local schoolchildren and had the opportunity to meet Don, one of the experts from BBC's The Repair Shop, who took time away from filming to hear more about Bob’s connection to the Southwater blacksmith’s shop and its history.

Moments like these remind us how the experiences, contributions and stories of those who have served continue to connect communities and inspire future generations.

Thank you, Bob, for your service and for preserving an important piece of local heritage for others to enjoy.

https://t.co/eg4Y9xtmXi

[Veterans’ Foundation @VeteransFdn]

23 June marks the birthday of Alan Turing (1912–1954) 🌺

A mathematician, codebreaker and pioneer of modern computing, Alan Turing’s work helped shape the world we live in today. His contribution during the Second World War played a significant role in Allied success, while his vision and innovation laid the foundations for advances in technology that continue to influence our lives.

His words still inspire us:

“Those who can imagine anything, can create the impossible.”

Today, we celebrate a life defined by curiosity, determination and the courage to think differently.

Photo: Princeton University Archives – Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)

[Veterans’ Foundation @VeteransFdn]

🚶‍♂️ Day 5 of the challenge! 🚶‍♂️
Graeme, who works at HMS Sultan in Gosport, and former Royal Navy captain John Kelly are now on day 5 of their incredible 100-mile challenge.
Over seven days, the pair are walking from Bovington in Dorset to Portsmouth, stopping at several military sites along the way — all while wearing heavy, handmade costumes weighing around 20kg each. Graeme is taking on the challenge dressed as a tank, while John is dressed as a warship.
They are raising funds through the @D Giving Back initiative, with donations being split equally between the Veterans’ Foundation and the MND Association.
It’s a huge effort, and they’re getting closer to the finish line every day. Let’s get behind them and show our support! 👏
https://t.co/k9KGjHTe5J

[Veterans’ Foundation @VeteransFdn]

🎉 Happy 100th Birthday to World War Two veteran Gerrard Nye.

From serving aboard HMS Indefatigable during the Battle of Okinawa to building a life, family and career in Scotland, Gerrard’s century of experiences reflects remarkable resilience, dedication and community spirit.

A proud Royal Navy veteran, Gerrard witnessed history firsthand and went on to spend decades contributing to his local community, raising a family and creating a legacy that now spans children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

As he prepares to receive a birthday message from His Majesty The King, we join his family, friends and community in celebrating this incredible milestone.

Thank you, Gerrard, for your service and for the life you have built beyond it.

Please join us in wishing Gerrard a very happy 100th birthday. 🎂🎈

https://t.co/nWyvLbfs99

[Veterans’ Foundation @VeteransFdn]

A remarkable feat for a vital cause.
Congratulations to former Royal Marines Aldo Kane, Al Chambers MBE and Billy Perham, who have completed the 362km Snowman Trek across Bhutan.
Over 27 days, they crossed 11 mountain passes, battled extreme conditions and pushed themselves to the limit, all to raise awareness of suicide prevention and support the Royal Marines Charity.
Their message is powerful: no one should face life’s toughest battles alone.
Congratulations to the team on raising more than £47,000 and helping start conversations that could save lives. 👏
https://t.co/RYKm9hM84b

[Veterans’ Foundation @VeteransFdn]

Evacuees return home to London. The photo shows villagers saying goodbye to the children they adopted for the war.

[Veterans’ Foundation @VeteransFdn]

Strength, determination and consistency at the highest level. 💪

Congratulations to British Army Corporal Rhys Calland on being crowned Europe’s Strongest Man after an outstanding performance across every discipline. The victory secures his place at the World Championships later this year.

A huge well done also to Corporal Paige Attwell, whose fourth-place finish and personal best performances have earned her a place on the world stage too.

These achievements reflect the dedication, resilience and commitment found throughout the Armed Forces community.

We wish both athletes every success as they prepare to represent the UK at the World Championships.

https://t.co/DTeWSFOGU8

[Veterans’ Foundation @VeteransFdn]

Men of the Cheshire Home Guard manning a 6 pdr naval gun mounted on a field gun chassis at Hoylake on the Wirral, consult a map at Battery HQ, 1 June 1943.

[Veterans’ Foundation @VeteransFdn]

This Father’s Day, we’re recognising the fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers and father figures who have served, and the families who stand alongside them.

Military life can bring unique challenges, from deployments and transitions to adjusting to life after service. Behind many serving personnel and veterans are families providing strength, encouragement and support every step of the way.

At Veterans’ Foundation, we back local organisations across the UK that support those who have served and the people who matter most to them. Together, we’re helping to strengthen families, build connections and create opportunities for veterans and their communities to thrive.

To all military fathers and father figures, thank you for your service, your commitment and the difference you make every day.

Happy Father’s Day.

Photos: SAC Craig Marshall (RAF) © Crown copyright 2014, UK Ministry of Defence. Source: Defence Images (Image 45160229). Licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

LA(Phot) Dave Jenkins © Crown copyright. Source: Defence Images (Image 45153053). Licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Sergeant Ian Forsyth RLC © Crown copyright. Source: Defence Images (Image 45152382).

[Veterans’ Foundation @VeteransFdn]

Congratulations, Captain Livingstone 👏👏
Captain Mark Livingstone, of 13 Air Assault Support Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, has received the General Service Medal from Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.
The medal recognises his six-month peacekeeping deployment to Somalia last year.
A proud moment for Capt Livingstone, his regiment, and the wider service community. 🎖️
https://t.co/qxx7zKOyBw