The Veterans’ Foundation is delighted to announce that Falklands hero Simon Weston CBE has become our newest Ambassador - backing our mission to provide vital support to veterans in need across the UK.
Simon served with the Welsh Guards and was severely injured when RFA Sir Galahad was bombed during the 1982 Falklands War - 48 of his fellow soldiers were killed in the attack.
The physical injuries Simon suffered, and the incredible resilience he showed, propelled him into the public domain - three BBC documentaries followed his story and he was soon a regular face within the British mainstream media, becoming synonymous with the conflict.
Simon, who received an OBE in 1992 and a CBE in 2016, is a passionate supporter of military charities, as they later played an important part in his own recovery and transition to civilian life.
“Military charities played a huge role in my recovery, so I know first-hand how important they are to veterans and their families,” he said. “That’s why I’m so pleased to be joining the Veterans’ Foundation as an Ambassador.”
Since 2016, the Veterans’ Foundation has provided more than £32 million in grants to over 500 Armed Forces charities and organisations. These charities support veterans facing real challenges - from poor mental health and isolation to homelessness, injury and the difficulties of adjusting to civilian life.
As the Foundation approaches its tenth year, it continues to build on a decade of funding practical support for veterans and their families.
Our supporters are driven by a simple belief: those who have served deserve the right help, when they need it. Through the Veterans’ Lottery and other fundraising activity, that belief turns into practical help - funding small charities that are providing support in communities across the country.
Simon added: “The Foundation supports charities doing vital work across the country. That support makes a real difference to veterans who are struggling.”
Thousands of veterans and their families continue to need help each year. With the backing of supporters, the Veterans’ Foundation is able to fund charities providing housing support, mental health services, recovery programmes and community projects where they are needed most.
If you would like to give back to veterans in need through the Veterans’ Lottery, you can find out more here:
