Lifetime Achievement Award Finalists 2024
An award to honour a person whose lifetime of dedicated service has provided a significant contribution in support of the Armed Forces community.
In partnership with Oracle.
"Oracle is committed to working with Soldiering On to recognise those individuals, groups and organisations that have made exceptional contributions to the Armed Forces community. The Lifetime Achievement Award shines a spotlight on those individuals who have gone above and beyond to support the Armed Forces community, and is something that Oracle is honoured to sponsor."
Introducing the Finalists...
Nicky Murdoch MBE
Nicky Murdoch MBE’s journey from a 30-year career in the British Army to a champion for the well-being of Armed Forces personnel and veterans is a story of resilience, compassion, and dedication. In 2007, Nicky faced a personal battle when diagnosed with cancer. However, rather than letting adversity define her, she emerged stronger, becoming a force for positive change.
Nicky was seconded by the Army to SkillForce, where she pioneered a recovery programme for injured personnel which laid the foundation for the current Defence Recovery Capability. Transitioning from the military, Nicky undertook the role of Chief Executive at the Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS). Over her seven-year tenure, she transformed the charity into a pillar of support for all Armed Forces personnel in hospitals across the UK, Germany, and Cyprus.
On leaving DMWS, Nicky became the Independent Chair to NHS England Armed Forces Healthcare Commissioning team, where she tirelessly advocates for the unique needs and challenges faced by the entire Armed Forces community, whether serving, reserves, veterans and their families and carers. She established and currently leads the Armed Forces Public Patient Voice Group, serves as a Trustee for the Veterans Foundation, and sits on the Board of the Armed Forces Pensions Society. Nicky’s unwavering commitment proves that with resilience and compassion, personal trials can transform into powerful, lasting change for others.
Sarah Geddes
Sarah Geddes joined the Army at 17 and served 24 years in the Royal Logistics Corps, being deployed to Kenya, Muscat, Ascension Island, Norway, and beyond. This gave her a keen understanding of different cultures and sparked her selfless advocacy for others. On leaving the military she worked as a contractor in Afghanistan, during which time she embarked on a 1,000,000 step challenge in 40-50 degree heat in support of SSAFA.
Back in the UK, Sarah got involved with the BattleBack charity developing their Sledge Hockey programme for injured military personnel, becoming the Equipment Manager for the UK Paralympic Sledge Hockey team. In 2022 she was diagnosed with White Matter disease, but even while living with the debilitating effects, she continues to support others and does not let it change who she is; determined, passionate, empathetic, with an eagerness to make the world a better place.
Sarah is currently a side walker and fundraiser for Riding for the Disabled initiative in Cyprus, a Charity Champion for Sodexo to raise funds for Stop Hunger, a Mental Health First Aider, and the Army Benevolent Fund Chair for Cyprus. Sarah is constantly searching for ways to improve the lives of others and her years of fundraising are extensive, displaying an unmatched determination.
Tony Wright
Tony Wright is a former Royal Marine, Social Worker, Probation Officer, and Home Office Advisor, who has spent his entire 40-year career in the service of others, in particular those least able to help themselves. Tony has fought for the causes of groups whose experiences are not well served or have suffered with underrepresentation, including those battling stigma, racism, homophobia, misogyny, and sexual assault.
As Founder of the charities About Turn (in 2009), Forward Assist (in 2013), and Salute Her (in 2021), Tony has helped thousands of veterans and their families, saving them from despair, self-harm, and desperation, and these charities are mentioned frequently at PMQs. His charities extend to all sectors of the veteran community, encouraging the integration of the elderly and isolated with younger service users, often with transformative effects.
Tony’s dedication and passion make him a powerful advocate for veterans, and he can often be found in the media petitioning for veterans or advising government and politicians as an undisputed expert in the field. His relentless advocacy proves that with profound heart and dedication, we can uplift others, create lasting change, and foster a community spirit.
Congratulate the finalists and join in with our celebrations on social media: #SoldieringOnAwards
