Having formed the Soldiering on Awards in 2011, along with the Chairman Wing Commander Tal Lambert MBE and Flight Sergeant Julie Calder RAF (friends from the MOD), were all agreed that the most important issue was to ensure that, not only should the amazing people were recognised for what they had achieved but their families should also experience the same feeling of pride in which we bestow on their loved ones.

After much deliberation, we decided we would produce a very special black tie evening and dinner award, to celebrate those we were recognising. Our aim was to make it an very exciting fun evening with music, comedy and celebrities with the importance of honouring & recognising our brave armed forces.

To achieve this event, we needed the help from some very generous, kind and altruistic supporters like Dave Allen and Paul Wooding from NETAPP, who not only sponsor the Soldiering On Awards, but when called upon, support with their time and energy to support the wider armed forces community across our calendar.

The sponsors and supporters allow us to recognise the amazing people who have given and continue to give so much to the armed forces community, a family that I consider myself very proud to be called a founder member.

The challenges of maintaining the Soldiering On Awards

It was very important to keep costs down so that, we able to provide a affordable event that is fitting for the national interest of those we are celebrating, as well as to generate a surplus of funds to fold back into the deserving military charities that support the community through life.  With the great kindness of many friends from the music, film and entertainment industry, who have given their expertise and time to attend, we are able to make all of our events a huge success.

Each time we have celebrated the individuals concerned in a location that is fitting to the award they are receiving as well as generated a surplus of funds to be able to fold back money to the military charities that provide the nominations as well as the through life support to the community concerned.

John Novelli – Founder Trustee of the Soldiering On Through Life Trust