We are thrilled to announce the winners of the Education, Training & Development, Healthcare & Rehabilitation, Sporting Excellence and the Patron’s Special Recognition Award in the second Soldiering On Awards 2020 (SOA2020) virtual ceremony hosted by Coronation Street Star, SSAFA and Help for Heroes Ambassador, Antony Cotton.
The ceremony was also attended by the category finalists and sponsors, judges, General the Lord Dannatt GCB CBE MC DL. President, Soldiering On Awards, Rear Admiral Jim Macleod, Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Personnel Capability) and Defence Services Secretary, and David Richmond CBE, Director of the Office for Veterans Affairs. As the winners found out, the news was simultaneously shared across social media channels.
The winner of the Education, Training and Development award is the Army Foundation College, Harrogate – sponsored by Capita
The Army Foundation College transforms the lives of young men and women seeking military service, training over 1,000 teenagers for military service each year. It delivers the world’s most comprehensive 12-month programme of military training, education, leadership, sports and adventurous training.
The Healthcare and Rehabilitation award, sponsored by the Redwood Technologies Group, has been won by Sapper Support
Sapper Support is a phone and social media helpline service providing emotional, physical and financial support to Veterans 24 hours a day. Initially created to help Royal Engineers with mental health issues, the organisation quickly evolved into helping veterans from all three services and members of 10 Fire Brigades and the West Midlands Ambulance Service.
Jody Jones has won the Sporting Excellence award – sponsored by Spectra Group
We are delighted to announce that Jody Jones has won the Sporting Excellence Award, sponsored by the Spectra Group.
After her diagnosis of stage 4 bowel cancer, the incredible Jody swam the English Channel, raising £11,000 for Blesma, The Limbless Veterans. After 2,000 km of training followed seven surgeries, 21 infusions chemotherapy; Jody swam the 21 miles unaided in 18 hours, 14 minutes and 30 seconds, contending with strong currents, jellyfish and large ships.
Successful businesswoman, Veteran’s wife and mother to two young children, Jody Jones volunteers as the Chair of the North London Military Wives Choir. Jody’s drive and determination encompass everything it takes to be both a great sporting champion and a vital member of the Armed Forces community.
The Patron’s Special Recognition Award goes to James Cameron, CEO and Founder of Mission Motorsport
For the Soldiering on Awards 10th anniversary; The Patron’s Special Recognition Award goes to James Cameron, CEO and Founder of Mission Motorsport. James is renowned for his sharp insight, his unwavering commitment to the cause of the community, and that was all before the pandemic. His demeanour and presence guarantee that people will listen to him. And during the pandemic he swapped driving his racing cars for driving ambulances.
Mission Motorsport was a finalist in the Education, Training and Development category. Its Automotive programme matches service leavers to jobs within the motor industry, supporting the transition from military to civilian life.
The 2020 Awards mark SOA’s 10th anniversary and the first full awards cycle since becoming part of X-Forces Enterprise (XFE). During those 10 years, over 120 winners, teams, charities, businesses and animal partners, across a range of categories along with countless more finalists, have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to the Military Community.
The Earl Howe, Patron of the Soldiering On Awards said:
“Despite the new virtual backdrop, the evening was a tremendous hour of celebration. As the scope and prominence of these Awards has increased with each passing year, they add ever more value through the strong and positive messages that recognition gives to the vital and impressive work being done by our Nominees, Finalists and Winners in their communities.
“Huge congratulations to ALL our fantastic 2020 winners and finalists. Each and every one of you is an inspiration to us all.”
Lt Colonel Ren Kapur MBE, CEO of X-Forces Enterprise and Co-Chair of the Soldiering On Awards said:
“The selfless dedication of our winners is both humbling and inspirational. It is so special to share these moments of celebration, not just with the winners but with all of the finalists.
“We couldn’t do this without the continued support of our sponsors who have stood by us, and our finalists, through challenging and uncertain times. Our growing community is stronger than ever.”
