At the 2012 Awards Jacqui won ‘Making a Difference Award’. You can read her story HERE: We asked Jacqui for her thoughts on receiving the Awards.
Since losing my husband Gary in Afghanistan in 2008, I have received incredibly support not only from my family and friends but from RAF Benevolent Fund and the Royal Air Force, I know how important the support/funds and awareness from the Soldiering On Through Life Trust means to our Military Charities.
When the RAFBF nominated me for the ‘Making a Difference’ award I was absolutely stunned and immensely grateful.
That night at SOTLT was one of the most amazing nights I have ever experienced and they made me feel incredibly special, my award was sponsored by Boeing and Breitling, and I was incredibly Lucky to have met such incredibly warm and charming people on my table I was seated close to a couple Mike and Debbie Kurth who were such a friendly, caring and generous couple to myself and my daughters and they even invited us to an incredible VIP Day at the RIAT which the girls and I absolutely loved.
When I met the other incredible award winners and heard their inspirational and touching stories I began to feel really inadequate and the nerves seemed to be getting the better of me Air Marshall Sir Andy Pulford who presented me with my award and his wife Nicky were incredibly supportive with lots of kind words of encouragement.
When I started fundraising for the RAFBF I only ever wanted to give a something back and say thank you for the support they gave to me and my daughters, and to show my appreciation to all our Royal Air personnel and their families for incredible job they do, I never expected to be rewarded for it but I wish I could put into words how grateful I am to SOTLT for the incredibly special night they gave me, I met so many incredibly people. Even now after all this time when I think back to that wonderful evening it just makes me feel incredible happy and puts a smile on my face.
Jacqui’s daughters (who joined her on the night)
Jade Thompson
I really enjoyed the soldering on awards. It was a memorable experience and found some of the stories incredibly moving. The venue was fantastic and the food was delicious!
Kelly Thompson
The Soldiering On Awards are a wonderful occasion to honour the people who work hard behind the scenes to help and support our nation’s armed forces. The event itself is extremely elegant and I had a fantastic night and enjoyed the company of wonderful people and a host of famous faces.
Jordan Thompson
I had a brilliant time at the Soldering On Awards. I thought the venue, the people and the atmosphere were great, it was fantastic too see so many people involved. I was especially proud of my Mum, Jacqueline Thompson who received an award. It’s so good to see her efforts appreciated and that awards like this are around so people can be honoured for their extraordinary efforts.
Aimee Thompson
Our family had an amazing night at the Soldiering On Awards and I was deeply moved by the whole event. I was extremely proud that Mum was recognised along with all the other incredible people that support our military family. It really was a special night and one that we will all remember for a long time.
