The Not Forgotten

We are delighted to reveal that our Head of Events of 28 years, Rosie Thompson, has been announced as a Finalist in the Lifetime Achievement Award category of The Armed Forces Community Awards at the Soldiering On Awards 2026.

These awards celebrate people and organisations whose work makes a real and lasting impact across the Armed Forces community – and we can’t think of anyone more deserving of this description than Rosie.

The Armed Forces Community Awards at Soldiering On focus on recognising service, integrity, teamwork and sustained commitment. They shine a light on the people and initiatives that strengthen communities, support wellbeing and create opportunity.

We are proud – and not in the least surprised – that Rosie has been nominated a Finalist on this basis after her 28 years’ dedicated service to supporting thousands of injured service personnel and veterans.

For almost three decades Rosie has been a driving force behind The Not Forgotten, dedicating her life to our mission. As the charity’s longest-serving member, she has helped more than 300,000 people, becoming a trusted and reassuring presence for those facing isolation and hardship.

Rosie has a unique ability to connect with individuals at their lowest points, helping them rebuild confidence, purpose, and a sense of belonging. She has shaped and evolved programmes to meet the changing needs of the Armed Forces community, creating opportunities that inspire recovery, growth, and new direction. Many beneficiaries credit her with life-changing turning points.

Her commitment goes far beyond her role, from fundraising hundreds of thousands of pounds to taking on endurance challenges alongside veterans. Rosie’s work has built lasting communities and strengthened support networks across the sector. What sets her apart is her unwavering compassion and personal dedication. She ensures no one feels forgotten, leaving a powerful legacy of connection, dignity, and hope.

Rosie said of her Finalist nomination:

“It came as a complete shock but a nice one at the same time. Though I really do feel it is The Not Forgotten and the thousands of veterans I have met over the years who actually deserve the award!
I will always be forever grateful to Major General Sir Christopher Airy (Chairman of The Not Forgotten at the time) and Colonel James Tedder (CEO) who 28 years ago offered me the role of – as it was then – Events Secretary for The Not Forgotten. Over almost three decades I’ve moved ‘up the ranks’ to Head of Events, but the job title doesn’t matter; it has simply been an honour and privilege to support thousands of veterans on their journey through life after injury or illness.
Their courage, spirit and determination are an inspiration to us all, and I dedicate my nomination to them.”

Congratulations also to the other Lifetime Achievement finalists Mr Kevin John Walker and David Dent MBE, both veterans themselves with truly inspirational life stories.

🤩FABULOUS FUNDRAISERS - NORMANDY CYCLE🚴

A huge thank you shout out today to this incredible team of eight cyclists who earlier this month undertook an epic and humbling challenge in aid of The Not Forgotten.

From 3rd to 7th June, the team cycled a backbreaking 300km across the D-Day Beaches of Northern France, cycling through historic battle sites and memorials, pausing at Pegasus Bridge on the 82nd anniversary of D-Day itself to honour the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans.

Jon Carpenter, Ben Parkin, James Parkin, Simon Richards, Simon James, Alan Jenkins, Julian Hill and Dave Duce have collectively raised an amazing £2,500 for The Not Forgotten, which will help fund our events programme over the coming months, giving thousands of veterans the opportunity to reconnect, rebuild confidence and rebuild their lives.

Thank you so much for the team - we are indebted to them for choosing us to support through their epic ride.🙏

The team said: "We battled through every condition you could imagine, very arduous but loved every minute.
The challenge was not only physically demanding but deeply humbling, serving as a powerful reminder of the courage shown by those who served and the ongoing need to support veterans facing injury and illness."

🎵🌺We are thrilled to announce a very special event this November...

Get ready for an unforgettable night of music, memory and magnificence as we open the doors to one of London’s most beautiful historic landmarks - the Grand Temple at Freemasons’ Hall - for a fundraising Remembrance event that will stay with you long after the final note.

‘Not Forgotten – A Night to Remember’ is an unforgettable Remembrance concert on November 11th starring world-renowned tenor Russell Watson and BRIT-Award winning classical trio Blake, actress and singer Anita Harris, The London Scottish Pipes and Drums and The Heroes Band.

Staged by The Not Forgotten in partnership with Freemasonry and the United Grand Lodge of England, with all funds raised going to The Not Forgotten in support of UK veterans.

Step inside the magnificent Grand Temple at Freemasons’ Hall in the heart of the West End to hear a beautiful programme of music honouring all those who have given their lives in every conflict since the First World War, and bringing alive the history of the United Grand Lodge of England and Freemasonry and the work of The Not Forgotten.

From the popular tunes of World War One and Two, to military band music, pipes and drums and haunting performances from some of the UK’s top classical artists. The evening will conclude with a moving Act of Remembrance and rousing finale of Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory – union flags at the ready. 🇬🇧

Tickets will be £75 and go on general public sale in EARLY JULY.

⭐️BE THE FIRST TO HEAR WHEN TICKETS GO ON SALE⭐️- Register your interest HERE http://bit.ly/4f2WIsv to be added to the priority booking mailing list and we will email you as a priority booker ahead of tickets going on public sale:

FIND OUT MORE AND SIGN UP AS A PRIORITY BOOKER:
http://bit.ly/4f2WIsv