Ren Kapur MBE, CEO Soldiering On Awards, has shared some thoughts following this year’s event…
It is both an honour and a privilege to lead the Soldiering On Awards and bring to life fascinating, inspirational stories from across the wider military family, stories that are multifaceted, like the people behind them.
The issue of equality lies close to my heart and, while there is more to be done in the years ahead, it is rewarding to see the diversity that is represented in the Armed Forces community being mirrored in our Soldiering On Awards finalists.
It pained me greatly to miss this year’s finale, for health reasons. However, I was cheered enormously by the powerful and emotive feedback received from finalists, supporters, performers, and in the media. The awards continue to evolve, year on year, and while it seems impossible that we will top each event, the nominees and their incredible stories ensure that we do.
We were thrilled to have presenter and journalist Jeremy Vine return to host the 13th edition of the awards at the Park Plaza Westminster Hotel on Wednesday 27th September, where twelve diverse categories were showcased and a winner in each was announced. For me, when we reach the finale of the Soldiering On Awards, the difference between the finalists is infinitesimal – truly, they are all winners.
It means so much to everyone involved to have ministerial and military leaders gather to celebrate outstanding achievements within the community and praise the enduring sense of service and valuable contributions made by its members to the benefit of society.
My profound thanks go to them all, as well as to the wonderful performers who entertained our guests. I must also express my gratitude to our fantastic category partners and supporters – without their ongoing commitment these awards would simply not be possible. Of course, this commitment extends beyond the awards themselves, reaching across the Armed Forces community, in recognition of the vital role they play in our society.
I am grateful to the Ministry of Defence for their support. They recognise the importance of what the awards represent, in highlighting the lived experience of those who take something good and make it great, tackle a challenge and provide a solution, not just for the Armed Forces but for the betterment of the country as a whole.
Read my blog about the 2023 Soldiering On Awards here: https://renkapur.com/2023/10/02/soldiering-on-awards-bringing-inspirational-stories-to-life/
