Only two days to go until nominations open for the 2020 Soldiering On Awards! As Douglas Hern says, “If you know someone who works hard for the community they represent, please nominate them! Even in defeat, achievement is there!”

There are twelve Award categories, so you’re bound to know at least one person that deserves recognition.

Today let’s catch up with our 2019 Greenwich Hospital Lifetime Achievement Award Winner – Douglas Hern.

Why Douglas Hern deserved recognition…

Douglas Hern has dedicated more than 30 years of his life to ensuring that the British Nuclear Test Veterans gain the recognition and support they deserve. He helps with claims, pensions and media coverage, as well as ensuring the next generation never forgets their sacrifice – conducting research, giving talks in schools and maintaining an official archive.

And since winning…

Douglas told us that on the night, he was completely stunned to win! “I was honoured to simply be at the event as a guest, I certainly didn’t expect to win, sitting amongst people whom I felt deserved it far more than I did. I didn’t put enough value on myself until that moment! It took some time to register! My companions were jumping and down, whooping loudly, but it took a cadet whispering in my ear to make it real. It was so overwhelming.

“Even now, as I look at the award sitting proudly on my mantelpiece, I feel there are others more worthy. The 3:6:12 support we will now receive is invaluable in helping us to raise awareness of our cause. Although we spend hours filling collection tins at supermarkets – and we’re grateful that people contribute greatly – many give without really understanding what the charity is about. Therefore the promotion and support we’re gaining as a result of our win is tremendous.

“If you know someone who works hard for the community they represent, please nominate them! Even in defeat, achievement is there – it’s not out of sight. If someone has made an incredible effort but not yet seen results, they may still be worthy of recognition. Nominations open on Saturday – please take the time to nominate.”

This award was generously sponsored by Greenwich Hospital. Shakeela Bagus,Head of Charity at Greenwich Hospital, told us: “Doug is an incredible man; the stories he told are very inspiring. The fact that he’s supporting not just people from that generation but their children, and their children’s children as well… it’s amazing work!

You can see more about this Award here.

It will be fantastic if you can help to spread the word by sharing this blog to make sure as many people as possible have the opportunity to nominate whoever they feel deserves an Award!  These tags may help you: #SOA2019 #SOA2020 #soldieringonawards @BNTVA @BntvaC