The Sir James Gildea Awards – named after the founder of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity – were created to recognise volunteers for their exceptional contribution and commitment to SSAFA’s activities and values.
One such man to receive the coveted honour is serving Captain Brian “Spats” Baxter who served in the Black Watch all over the world for more than 30 years and is now Regimental Career Management Officer of 7th Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland (7 SCOTS), based in Perth.
The award to Spats Baxter was made at the recent AGM of the Perth & Kinross branch of SSAFA by Branch President and Falklands veteran Major General Adrian Freer, late of the Parachute Regiment.
Maj Gen Freer said:
“Captain Baxter, you have been nominated for this award for your extraordinary fundraising service to SSAFA Perth & Kinross, over many years, and especially for the exceptional efforts you have made to take Army reservist teams from 7 SCOTS to run in the US Marine Corps marathons in Washington DC, since 2016, raising thousands of pounds in funds for this branch.”
Lieutenant Colonel Andy Middlemiss, Branch Chair SSAFA Perth & Kinross and late of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers, added:
“We’re equally so fortunate and so proud to have Spats as a fundraiser for the branch; his efforts do so much good for the military community in the area, and help to provide the support our veterans and serving personnel – regular or reserve – and their families need when and how they need it.”
For more information – including how to volunteer, access support, or fundraise – visit ssafa.org.uk/perth-kinross.
