The Veterans’ Foundation has launched the Paul Heward Memorial Grant in memory of its Chief Financial Officer, who died last summer.
Paul joined the charity in 2017 just a year after it was founded by retired Major General David Shaw, becoming its second employee and playing an instrumental part in its success and growth.
The first grant, of £35,000, has been awarded to Cumbria-based Woodland Xperiences, which gets people outdoors and closer to nature, in a safe, conversational environment.
“Paul was a very active man, who loved the outdoors and adventure,” said David, the Veterans’ Foundation CEO and founder.
“Paul loved to be outdoors and having fun. He knew the value of activity, fresh air and fun to keep body and mind healthy and agile, so it seemed fitting that our memorial grant should be awarded to a charity operating in that sector.”
Paul’s wife, Annabel, joined the ‘Forces Wives Challenge’ group bush camp to experience some of the activities the first memorial grant award is helping to fund.
Annabel said:
“Paul would be delighted to have this grant named in his memory, knowing the good it will do in supporting the armed forces community.
“Woodland Xperiences is a worthy first recipient. I was very warmly welcomed by Ady and his team, and enjoyed meeting the women and learning some bushcraft skills. It would have been impossible to tear Paul away from something like this. He would have loved it and instantly acknowledged the value these camps and activities bring.
“He loved his work with the Veterans’ Foundation but was also aware of the value of keeping active when not at work. I am proud that his legacy lives on.”
Paul lived in Edinburgh, was a keen fisherman, and played tennis and rugby. He and Annabel were frequent visitors to the Hebrides and Italy.
The Paul Heward Memorial Grant will be awarded annually to a charity that supports servicemen and women, veterans and their families through outdoor activities.
