ABF The Soldiers' Charity

The Soldiers’ Charity is the Army’s national charity. We are here to help those in the Army family who have been prepared to risk everything for us when they or their family needs it most.

We give a lifetime of support to soldiers, former soldiers and their families whatever the circumstance, whatever the age, whatever the rank – our support and commitment to soldiers is never ending. We aim to make grant payments within 48 hours of receipt of application, making a significant difference at a critical point in many lives.

We support the Army family by giving grants to individuals and other specialist charities that help soldiers, former soldiers and their families and we work with veterans from every conflict since the Second World War, including those from recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan

We have seen a 30% rise over the past two years in applications from soldiers who have taken part in recent and current conflicts and we currently raise £7 million a year to meet this need. As a result of Current Operations we anticipate that the requests for assistance will rise significantly in the coming years. Our aim is to increase our fundraising to £14 million a year by 2015 to ensure that we reach each and every soldier that needs our help.

The Soldiers’ Charity is totally committed to the future welfare and wellbeing of soldiers. By taking part in The Soldier Challenge you are helping show your appreciation and respect to our soldiers by giving something back to those that give so much.

Gavin was in command of a convoy in Afghanistan during Operation Panther’s Claw when his vehicle hit an IED.

As Gavin said

“The thing is IEDs are so frequent in Panther’s Claw. It’s like playing Minesweeper without the numbers.”

“You’ve got no idea where they are. The explosion must have been quick. The blast knocked me out. I remember waking up and I had three teeth missing. I had blood in my mouth and thought I had internal injuries. I spat it out and tried to breath again.”

“I made peace with myself. I talked to myself in my head. The only thing I could think about was: “How’s Kerry going to cope without me being there?”

Gavin did survive the attack but unfortunately driver, Craftsman Anthony Lombardi was tragically killed.

Flown back to Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham, Gavin began to recover and has since received treatment at Headley Court Rehabilitation Centre with physiotherapy, psychiatric support and counselling.

During his recovery, we’ve helped out with child and pet care costs to help his wife Kerry, who’s looking after their two small daughters, Ella and Millie, whilst supporting Gavin. We’ve also given funds for brain training games to help his progress.

Stephen lost his left leg and badly injured the right when the tank he was driving in Iraq was hit by a roadside bomb.

Despite the injuries, he’s not short of grit: he’s been determined to carry on with his career and has recently returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Negotiating the layout of his mother’s home in London, both during his immediate recovery and when home on leave subsequently, was tough, tedious and exhausting.

Our grant for a simple adaptation has made a practical difference to his quality of life. As Stephen’s Mum, Frances, recognises, giving practical assistance to soldiers is only part of the story.
“There is always a family as well, and they need to be helped too, because they are the ones looking after the soldier.”