Veterans’ Foundation

Simon Weston became Britain's most well-known veteran when he returned from the Falklands Conflict with life-changing injuries. Find out more about the day his ship - the Sir Galahad - was hit by an Argentine bomb, how his remarkable resilience captured the nation's heart, and why he found himself at rock-bottom after struggling to come to terms with what he saw when he first looked in the mirror. *You can help heroes like Simon by playing the Veterans’ Lottery – this month’s jackpot is £75,000! Join here: veteransfoundation.org.uk/lottery/join/

🇬🇧🎉 From building the iconic “Wooden Wonder” in World War Two to celebrating his 100th birthday surrounded by family, Stanley Hills’ story is one of resilience, service and quiet determination. Stanley joined the De Havilland Mosquito team at just 14 years old, starting as a teaboy before helping build parts for one of the most versatile aircraft of the war. Later serving on the front line with the Army, he says the experience shaped his life, giving him confidence and discipline that stayed with him long after the war ended. Now 100, Stanley celebrated with afternoon tea, a barbecue and the people closest to him. “I don’t feel 100. I feel about 55.” Stories like Stanley’s remind us of the lasting contribution of those who have served — and the importance of recognising and supporting veterans and their communities across the UK. Happy 100th birthday, Stanley. 🎉 bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…

A fascinating glimpse into the realities of the First World War. This Imperial War Museum photograph shows soldiers of 111 Brigade, 37th Division, posing in the windows of a ruined house at Hamel. Some are holding bombs, with more stacked beside the building. The bombs appear to be ammunition for the 2-inch Medium Mortar, helping date the image to around mid-1916 to mid-1917. The reference to “Hamel” likely relates to Beaumont-Hamel on the Somme, captured during the Battle of the Ancre in November 1916 — an operation in which the 37th Division took part. Photographs like this offer a powerful reminder of the experiences of those who served, and the harsh conditions faced on the Western Front more than a century ago. Photo: John Warwick Brooke / IWM via National Library of Scotland – Public domain

We are proud to have been able to provide a grant for funding that will help Mutual Support - The Armed Forces UK MS Charity continue delivering wellbeing weekends for veterans and dependants living with MS. These weekends offer time, space and community-led support to improve mental wellbeing, strengthen relationships and reduce loneliness. They help people affected by MS connect with others who understand their experiences, access wider support from the Mutual Support community, and spend meaningful time together as families. We have awarded Mutual Support £30,000 over three years to support this life-changing work, thanks to our amazing community. Dr Anita Rose, Patron of Mutual Support and Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist, said: “People come broken and return home whole; people come lonely and go home with friends; whole families who come fractured go home in one piece; children who come as young carers go home as themselves once more. These benefits are priceless and life affirming and life changing.” As an independently funded, volunteer-led charity, Mutual Support relies on funding to continue its important work. By backing organisations like Mutual Support, Veterans’ Foundation helps ensure those who have served, and their families, can access connection, understanding and support when they need it most. ow.ly/HM4x50Z1xWV Photo: Mutual Support

Wounded British troops, evacuated from the Normandy beaches, now back in Britain, 7 June 1944. Malindine E G (Capt), War Office official photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Wishing our Armed Forces community a relaxing Bank Holiday Monday. Thank you to all those who serve, have served, and the families and communities beside them. 🇬🇧

Join us in celebrating those who have served. 🇬🇧❤️ Photos from followers: Mary, Chris, Andy, Clive, Paul, Dave, Ann, Gordon and Dean

United by duty. Connected by purpose.🤝❤️ Photo: Corporal Andrew Morris (RAF)/MOD, OGL v1.0OGL v1.0, via Wikimedia Commons

After serving with the Royal Marines during WW2 and surviving the sinking of HMS Charybdis, John Eskdale remains closely connected to the military community and passionate about supporting fellow veterans. Thanks to Veterans Lottery players, Veterans’ Foundation has now given away more than £30 million to over 500 military charities and organisations supporting veterans and their families across the UK.🇬🇧💙

The Queen and Princess Elizabeth talk to a camouflaged sniper during a tour of Airborne forces, 19 May 1944. Malindine E G (Capt), War Office official photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

What’s one memory from your service years that still makes you smile? 😀

The Royal Navy during WW2. A sailor smoking a pipe and writing home in his bunk on board HMS BATTLER whilst she is at sea. Photo: Imperial War Museums – Public domain / Crown copyright expired - Colourised by the Veterans' Foundation

We are proud to have been able to provide a grant for funding that will help Mutual Support - The Armed Forces UK MS Charity continue delivering wellbeing weekends for veterans and dependants living with MS. These weekends offer time, space and community-led support to improve mental wellbeing, strengthen relationships and reduce loneliness. They help people affected by MS connect with others who understand their experiences, access wider support from the Mutual Support community, and spend meaningful time together as families. We have awarded Mutual Support £30,000 over three years to support this life-changing work, thanks to our amazing community. Dr Anita Rose, Patron of Mutual Support and Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist, said: “People come broken and return home whole; people come lonely and go home with friends; whole families who come fractured go home in one piece; children who come as young carers go home as themselves once more. These benefits are priceless and life affirming and life changing.” As an independently funded, volunteer-led charity, Mutual Support relies on funding to continue its important work. By backing organisations like Mutual Support, the Veterans’ Foundation helps ensure those who have served, and their families, can access connection, understanding and support when they need it most. ow.ly/srz150Z1xVT Photo: Mutual Support

Former British Army medic Hayley Ridgeway has shared her story to highlight the real difference Veterans’ Lottery players make for those who have served. In 2011, while serving in Afghanistan, Hayley was attached to a patrol that was hit by an IED blast. Six soldiers were injured, two of them seriously. Although injured herself, Hayley acted immediately. As the patrol medic, she provided emergency care to her comrades and supported the evacuation of those with the most serious injuries. Her experience is a powerful reminder of the demands placed on those who serve, and the lasting impact service can have. It also shows why continued support for veterans, families and their communities across the UK matters. Through the Veterans’ Lottery, players help fund trusted organisations delivering life-changing support where it is needed most. ow.ly/WOQE50Z1y8T

Behind the front lines, moments of shelter and routine mattered. This image shows three Artillery officers at the entrance to their dugout on the Western Front during the First World War. The grenade collar badges identify them as members of the Royal Artillery. Built from corrugated iron, earth, timber posts and sandbags, the dugout appears basic and hastily constructed. But compared with the conditions endured by many soldiers in the trenches, it likely offered far greater protection and comfort. It’s a reminder that wartime experiences were rarely equal. While some found brief respite away from the front line, countless others faced relentless exposure to mud, danger and exhaustion every day. More than a century later, we continue backing organisations across the UK that support veterans and their communities — ensuring those who have served are not forgotten once conflict ends. Photo: National Library of Scotland – No known copyright restrictions (via Flickr Commons/Wikimedia Commons)

Real change happens when communities come together. At the Veterans’ Foundation, we support organisations across the UK delivering practical help, connection and opportunity for veterans and their families. Because no one should face the future alone.❤️ Made with AI

From sunrise to sunrise, former royal Marine Daniel Woods is taking on an incredible challenge — attempting to break a Guinness World Record while raising money for the Veterans’ Foundation. Daniel will be aiming to play the most golf holes in 24 hours, pushing himself across more than 105 miles to try and beat the current record. Please donate today and help Daniel make every hole count. ow.ly/sWOp50YZp37

Mark Harding spent 16 years serving with the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment before catastrophic injuries in Afghanistan changed his life forever. He speaks openly about the reality of identity loss after injury and military service. An important reminder that recovery is not only physical.❤️‍🩹

15 years since the end of Operation TELIC, we take time to reflect on the service and sacrifice of all those deployed to Iraq. We remember the strength shown in challenging circumstances, the families who stood behind them, and the 179 personnel who never came home. Today, and always, their contribution is remembered. 🌹

Men of No. 1 Commando in jovial mood at Hastings after returning from a raid on St Cecily Plage near Le Touquet on the French coast to seize Freya and Wurzburg radar equipment, 4 June 1942. Malindine E G (Lt), War Office official photographer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Today we remember Drummer Lee Rigby on the anniversary of his death. 🌹 A proud Fusilier, devoted father and respected friend, Lee served with commitment and courage. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, comrades and all those who continue to remember him. “Once a Fusilier, always a Fusilier.” Photo: UK MOD © Crown copyright 2011 – OGL v1.0