Tonight, Thursday 1st October, was a very special night for the finalists of our second group of award categories, and these nominees were literally sitting on the edges of their seats.

This evening we proudly announced the winners of the Education, Training and Development; Healthcare and Rehabilitation; Sporting Excellence and the Patron’s Special Recognition Awards in the second Soldiering On Awards 2020 virtual ceremony.

The Zoom event was hosted by the much loved Coronation Street Star and SSAFA Ambassador, Antony Cotton.

The ceremony was also attended by the category finalists and sponsors; judges; General the Lord Dannatt GCB CBE MC DL, President, Soldiering On Award; Rear Admiral Jim Macleod, Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Personnel Capability) and Defence Services Secretary; David Richmond CBE, Director of the Office for Veterans Affairs; and Lt Col Sue Wright.

 

We’re delighted to share some special words from the Soldiering On Awards Patron, The Earl Howe.

“Over the course of this incredibly challenging year, we have seen many acts of selflessness and compassion across the community, as we have all dealt with the current pandemic. Some of these acts of altruism will not have been visible to the wider community, so it is right that when we do recognise these valiant and humble actions that we acknowledge them.

Tonight, we announce the Patron’s Special Recognition Award: This individual is renowned for his sharp insight and his unwavering commitment to the cause of the community, and that was all before the pandemic.

His demeanour and presence guarantee that people will listen to him. And, during the pandemic, he swapped driving his racing cars for driving ambulances.

We’re delighted to announce that, for the Soldiering on Awards 10th anniversary, The Patron’s Special Recognition Award goes to…

James Cameron

James Cameron is the force behind Mission Automotive, a ground-breaking initiative that improves opportunities for employers to access Veterans’ skills and potential. Delivered by Mission Motorsport, it combines the recuperative effect of motorsport activity with the long-term benefits of motor industry careers to form the “Race / Retrain / Recover” programme.

The organisation’s primary aim is to reduce the issues associated with leaving the military by increasing understanding of the civilian work environment. The vocational team matches candidates to jobs within the motor industry, supporting the transition from military to civilian life. Over the past six years, Mission Motorsport’s vocational initiatives for Wounded, Injured or Sick (WIS) have placed over 170 ex-servicemen and ex-servicewomen into work, and more than 600 WIS have benefited from its educational developmental activities.

“Mission Automotive is a ground-breaking initiative that will improve the opportunities for employers to access the skills and potential of Service Leavers.”

Mission Motorsport takes a holistic view of the support offered, delivering recovery sport, careers services and City & Guilds recognised training packages, with occupational therapy advice built in to ensure transition is tailored to the needs of each individual. This small team achieves extraordinary outcomes through well-developed engagement programmes, guided by compassion, experience, imagination and unwavering commitment.

“Helping industry to help our Armed Forces Community, and realising and recognising the benefits of so doing has given a small organisation disproportionate impact.”

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