Watch the 2019 Awards Highlights and each Winner’s Personal Video!
We are thrilled to announce The Winners of the 2019 Soldiering On Awards.
The Soldiering On Awards celebrate the achievements of the military community, by honouring individuals, Veterans, their families and organisations that support the Armed Forces Community.
About the event…
The Award Ceremony at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge Hotel on April 5th was an outstanding event, hosted by TV personality Carol Vorderman MBE, who is an Honorary Group Captain in the RAF, and former Royal Marine JJ Chalmers.
Awards Patron the Rt Hon Earl Howe PC Minister of State for Defence and Deputy Leader of the House of Lords said: “It has been humbling and a delight to celebrate the achievements of the Armed Forces Community tonight, at this year’s Soldiering On Awards. Each of the Finalists is a shining example to all of us, with their can-do attitude and valuable skills learnt in the service of our country. 2019 is a milestone year for the Soldiering On Awards, which has evolved to become fully incorporated within X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) following the success of our partnership in 2018. This means that tonight’s Award winners will be offered on-going support; ensuring that winning a Soldiering On Award is not an end in itself, but the next step to empower and support the aims and goals of each winner”.
Carol Vorderman MBE said: “The Armed Forces community means a lot to me and I was absolutely thrilled to be invited to host this year’s Soldiering On Awards. The UK’s military personnel and their families are some of the most dedicated in society, and it is no surprise to me that these individuals are achieving such amazing things. It is a testament to the hard work and tenacity of each of them, that they are Finalists in this year’s Awards. They are all making a difference to society whether in the provision of mental health care, on the sporting field or in business. It is wonderful to shine a spotlight on their outstanding achievements, and I can’t wait to congratulate them all.”
JJ Chalmers said: “It was a huge honour to be asked to be part of such a special night, particularly alongside Carol; who has tirelessly supported the Armed Forces. During my life and especially throughout my recovery, I have drawn my inspiration from the individuals around me, some of whom have been nominated here. Many of them are unsung heroes and I’m grateful they have the opportunity to have themselves and their endeavours recognised publicly”.
Ren Kapur MBE, Founder and CEO X-Forces Enterprise and Co-Chair of the Soldiering On Awards, said: “The stars of the night are all of our amazing Finalists and the overall Award Winners who carry the baton for their respective categories. We look forward to supporting the next steps on your remarkable journeys over the next 12 months through the programme of support provided by X-Forces Enterprise. You are all amazing and we salute you all!”
Judges Special Commendation for Remembered “There But Not There”
SOA Judges awarded “Remembered” a Special Commendation for the 2018 Armistice project “There But Not There” which touched the heart of the entire nation and extended its reach Internationally. The 2019 Awards ceremony included a table of 12 seated “There But Not There” silhouettes, and a video of the international collaboration was accompanied by Awards Ambassador for the Arts Carly Paoli singing “You Lift Me Up.”
Awards Co-Chair of Judges Debra Allcock-Tyler said “The entire nation was moved by this fantastic initiative to ensure we will never forget those who gave their lives for our freedom. The Awards Judges felt this deserved a Special Commendation and to make “There But Not There” a special feature on Awards night. We were delighted that our Ambassador of the Arts Carly Paoli sang to accompany our special tribute video of Remembered’s amazing collaborative work, and for us all to take time for our own personal remembrance.”
The Army Cadets
18 Army Cadets provided a guard of honour for guests and supported the evening activities, including escorting presenters and winners to and from the stage along with other operational duties. Colonel CM Riley ACF, Army Cadet Force Colonel Cadets said:
“South East London Army Cadet Force were so pleased to support the Soldiering on Awards in what was the Army Cadet Force’s national community week. With our Cadets now receiving enterprise training thanks to Ren Kapur and X-Forces the awards demonstrated to them what hard work can achieve. The winners and the nominees were an inspirational to our Cadets.”
The Magic Marine
Guests were entertained throughout the champagne reception by The Magic Marine, an XFE beneficiary.
Our thanks to everyone who contributed to making this special evening such a wonderful and memorable event.
Watch the Winners’ Videos and read their stories!
