It is with immense gratitude that the Trustees of Fighting With Pride announce that co-founder Craig Jones MBE steps back as a trustee of Fighting With Pride.
FWP is grateful for his extraordinary leadership, inspirational drive, incredible achievements and selfless commitment to the cause of LGBT+ military veterans. He has been at the heart and soul of Fighting With Pride since its creation and has led the charity to deliver some incredible outcomes for LGBT+ military veterans.
Without Craig, there would be no Fighting With Pride, and the LGBT+ Veterans community would still largely be forgotten, their service unrecognised, and many veterans would still be living unsupported in isolation.
It was Craig’s determination to raise awareness of LGBT+ service in the UK Armed Forces for the 20th anniversary of the ban being lifted, that created the anthology Fighting With Pride, the contents of which sparked the creation of Fighting With Pride.
Craig has led FWP in every capacity since its launch in January 2020; as chief executive, as Joint-CEO with Caroline Paige, as our Executive Chair, and finally serving as a Trustee and Head of Campaign, leading FWP’s campaign for improved financial reparations. It was due to Craig’s campaigning that the government commissioned the Independent Review by Lord Etherton, which has resulted in the reparations process that is currently underway.
Craig set the pace for challenge and change, with a commitment described by fellow campaigners as ‘like being strapped to a rocket!’.
He has always had one clear aim, to improve lives for those who suffered shameful cruelty, dishonour and sacrifice in the service of their own country, and who still endure the consequences of the ban.
FWP also wants to put on record its sincere thanks to Craig’s husband, Adam Mason, for his own time, commitment and support of Craig, and of FWP. In the early life of FWP, Adam was also key in developing the charity’s care policies as FWP’s first Safeguarding Officer, and his support, counsel and advice has always been highly valued.
On behalf of the trustees, Ed Hall, Chair of Trustees, said,
“We are incredibly proud of all that Craig has accomplished, and we are grateful for the vibrant legacy he leaves behind. His vision, determination, and compassion will continue to inspire us as we carry forward the work he so passionately championed. As an organisation we will continue to cherish and recognise the vital work of our founders, and so Craig’s contribution will not be forgotten. Along with our trustees, community team, staff, allies and supporters, as well as everyone in the veterans’ community, we wish Craig and Adam all the best for the future.”
