Members of the Newcastle United Armed Forces Supporters Club (NUAFSC) visited Launchpad’s Avondale House in Newcastle this week to hand out Christmas presents to the veterans living there.
Slow cookers, grills, pots and pans, cutlery, carpets and other essential items and selection boxes were handed out to the veterans living at the house.
The NUAFSC nominated Launchpad as their chosen charity and all proceeds from the Tyne & Wear Remembrance match held in November against Sunderland AFC Armed Forces & Veterans Supporters Association were donated to the charity.
A cheque for £4,277.32 was presented to Launchpad at the end of the match and staff from Launchpad used the money to buy Christmas presents for all the residents living at both of the charity’s North East houses at Hollyacre House in Sacriston, County Durham and at Avondale House on the Byker Estate in Newcastle.
Launchpad’s residents met members of the NUAFSC and were also treated to a Christmas buffet.
The house comprises 33 self-contained one-bedroom flats for former serving personnel and their partners. The charity has three houses in the North of England in Newcastle, Liverpool and Durham providing accommodation for 98 homeless veterans – accepting veterans from all over the UK.
Phil Thompson, Manager of Launchpad’s Avondale House said:
“Christmas can be a difficult time of the year for some of our residents who don’t have any family so being able to give them some Christmas presents is a very special moment.
“We are very grateful to the NUAFSC for nominating Launchpad as their chosen charity this year and for generating these funds which has a huge impact on our residents. To be able to use that money to buy the residents Christmas presents but also invite some of the members of the NUAFSC into the house to meet the residents is a special time. I’d also like to say thank you to the Sunderland AFC Armed Forces & Veterans Supporters Association who were very supportive of Launchpad.”
Mick Warke, Founder and Chair from NUAFSC, said:
“It’s a real honour and privilege to support Launchpad and the Armed Forces Community to be able to see the difference our contribution makes to the residents at Avondale House.
“The NUAFSC is still in its infancy and this was our first charity event and we are delighted with how much we have raised. We are committed to continuing to support Launchpad and we will be organising other events next year. It’s been a combination of the events from the game and merchandise that has been able to raise that money and thank you to everyone who has contributed to purchasing the merchandise.
“We are organising another charity event in May 2025. This will be a Sleep Rough event in Durham and then members will march to St. James’ Park in Newcastle on the last game of the season.”
Veteran Neil Cummins has been a resident at Avondale House since May 2024 and served with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. He said:
“It means a great deal to receive these presents. I’m not going to be with my family this Christmas and normally we have a big family meal. Getting this present has given me an uplift and it has lifted my spirits and given me hope for the future.”
Launchpad provides vital accommodation and support, with the help of specialist providers, to support homeless veterans who have fallen on hard times and have found the transition from military to civilian life difficult.
