At a prestigious reception to celebrate this year’s Soldiering On Award Finalists, Awards Ambassadors, actress Vicki Michelle MBE and Brit-nominated classical singer Carly Paoli announced that the public vote for the Animal Partnership Award – sponsored by Pets at Home -is now OPEN! You can see the Finalists and cast your vote here.

The reception was held in the Palace of Westminster, where over 200 guests were welcomed by Awards President, General, the Lord Dannatt, on behalf of himself and Vice President and Co-chair of Judges, Debra Allcock-Tyler.

Awards Patron, The Rt Hon Earl Howe spoke about how the Awards have caught the imagination of everyone connected with our military community; amply demonstrated by the fact that the number of nominations received has doubled over two years.

X-Forces Enterprise CEO Ren Kapur MBE congratulated all Finalists and shared the news of the outstanding success of the outreach media campaign to share Finalists’ stories and causes. The coverage to-date through media channels has been estimated at over 2 Million; helping to raise awareness and support the aims of each Finalist.

Awards Chairman, Wing Commander Tal Lambert MBE, thanked Awards Sponsors for making everything possible and congratulated all Finalists; speaking about how humbled everyone is by the achievements of so many.

Formalities continued to rapturous applause as Vicki Michelle and Carly Paoli read out the roll call of Finalists and reminded everyone to get voting for the animal partner category award-winner!

Formal proceedings closed with guests free to share their stories with fellow Finalists, Award Sponsors, members of the Judging Panel and previous years’ Award-Winners.

It was a fabulous evening celebrating the success of our 62 2019 Finalists and we’d like to thank everyone who attended the event, plus those that made it possible.

Here are a few photos from the event – you can see others by following us on social media, where you can also learn more about our incredible Finalists.

To join us at the inspirational Awards Night on the 5th April, click here to secure your ticket or table. And remember to vote for your favourite in the Animal Partnership category!