The Not Forgotten

22/10/2026

We are proud to announce that The Not Forgotten has been awarded a grant of £85,000 from the Army Benevolent Fund, a huge contribution to the funding for our next year's programme of events and activities, ensuring we continue to reach as many veterans as possible across the UK.

Colonel Richard Walker OBE, Chief Executive of The Not Forgotten, said:

“The Not Forgotten is incredibly grateful and honoured to have received a grant of £85,000 from the Army Benevolent Fund, an organisation with whom we share a longstanding and highly valued relationship.

“This support is a powerful endorsement of the impact our charity delivers to more than 10,000 veterans across the UK each year, around half of whom come from the Army family. The confidence placed in us by the ABF gives us the certainty to continue delivering life-changing activities and events nationwide, whilst also helping to sustain our prestigious programme of events in London and across the regions."

“The Not Forgotten provides a unique offering to a very special community, and we are fortunate to be supported by an extraordinary network of donors and partners. The Army Benevolent Fund is a fundamental part of that community, and we are deeply grateful for its continued trust, friendship and support.”

Brigadier (Ret’d) Peter Monteith, Chief Operating Officer at the Army Benevolent Fund, added:

“Strong social connections are essential to wellbeing, yet some injured veterans and serving personnel can experience isolation after service or injury. The Not Forgotten provides invaluable opportunities for beneficiaries to reconnect with others, take part in enjoyable activities, and regain a sense of community and belonging. We are delighted to support a programme that continues to make such a positive difference to members of the Army family across the UK.”

Find out more at https://thenotforgotten.org/army-benevolent-fund-grant-the-not-forgotten/

22/10/2026

🚴 Cotswold Cycle Challenge 🚴‍♀️

"Ten riders, ten stories to share, all proving life can take you anywhere. Different roads had brought us near, yet somehow we all belonged right here..."

In July, a group of 10 veterans donned their lycra to tackle the Cotswold Cycle Challenge - cycling 150km over two days, around the glorious Cotswold countryside.

As the beautiful words of this film attest, the challenge wasn't just about the mileage, or the sense of physical achievement; it was also the camaraderie of shared experience, the bonds formed through laughter, sweat, shared stories and tears.

Boundaries pushed, friendships forged, confidence boosted, lives changed.
Our huge thanks to TPG Events for their support.

The words and narration are an extract from a poem written by one of the cyclists, Kevin MacDonald.

Watch the full poem and film at https://youtu.be/qh0T4S5Isrc

20/10/2026

🏰 Earlier this month we enjoyed a wonderful day out at Hampton Court Palace courtesy of our friends at Historic Royal Palaces.

Our group of veterans enjoyed a fantastic day exploring the beautiful palace and gardens, sharing great company, lunch and creating lasting memories together.

There was also a very special moment during the visit, with a proposal taking place! 💍 Huge congratulations to Richard Moore and Lisa Williams on your engagement. We wish you both every happiness for the future! ❤️

A heartfelt thank you to Sarah Fairbairn, Senior Community Partnerships Producer at Royal Palaces, for hosting us and helping to make the day such a memorable experience. It was a pleasure to visit such an iconic venue and receive such a warm welcome.

Days like these provide a lifeline of companionship, connection and enjoyment, helping to reduce loneliness and isolation for those we support.

Judging by the smiles, laughter and happy faces throughout the day, it's safe to say everyone had a wonderful time!

19/10/2026

☀ The power of respite and finding that missing piece ☀

Last week we took a small group of veterans to a beautiful farmhouse called Can Xenet in Majorca, whose wonderful owner Shiela has opened her home to groups of our veterans for the past 15 years.

⛱The week is an escape from the challenges of daily life back home, a chance to relax, switch off and recharge. But it's more than that too. It's a powerful opportunity to connect with people who understand the sorts of things you've been through as a veteran, to feel safe to let your guard down and open up, and rediscover pieces of yourself that have been missing.
That applies to the veterans attending, but also more often than not to their partners or 'plus-ones' who come with them.

Last week Leigh, who attended as the guest of an RAF veteran, expressed this impact:

❤️ "I really can't put into words what this week has meant to me. I went away as a plus-one and came home feeling like I've found part of myself that's been missing for a very long time.
Being surrounded by such wonderful people, sharing laughter, tears, stories and that special connection has reminded me what it feels like to really belong. I honestly think this week has changed my life in ways I hadn't expected. Thank you."

Our deepest gratitude to Shiela, and to Ben, Debbie and Frank our volunteers 🙏

14/10/2026

The Not Forgotten was thrilled last night to be invited to the best Magazine Best Heroes Awards 2026 where TNF beneficiary 102-year-old George Durrant received a very special award in honour of his service during the Burma campaign at the end of the Second World War 🎖️
In a moving speech George dedicated his award to “all the men and women who never returned, because they gave up their lives fighting for you in the horrible nasty jungle out in Burma”.
A true hero.

13/10/2026

At the end of September The Not Forgotten - in partnership with inclusive outdoor pursuits company Equal Adventure - ran an adventure weekend in the beautiful surroundings of Loch Insh in the Scottish Highlands.

The group of seven veterans who joined us included a double amputee, those with back injuries, long-term pain issues, in post-op recovery and those battling mental health challenges.

But this weekend, nothing held us back! The group all enjoyed canoeing, archery and hiking in the stunning Cairngorms using specialist adaptive gear, proving that nothing can stop a veteran when they are determined to take on an adventure!

Our huge thanks to Suresh, Kam and the team at Equal Adventure for their sponsorship and expertise.

"I had a great time and managed to do things I didn't think were possible, because of the adaptions. Thank you."

"My highlight was the mobility buggy for going out with the hikers - the staff worked around us without a prior plan as everyone had different needs. Five stars!"

12/10/2026

🌟🎶 Not Forgotten - A Night to Remember 🌟🎶
Wednesday 11th November, 6pm

🎟 Tickets selling fast - don't miss out!

Join us for an unforgettable night of music, memory and magnificence as we join a cast of world-renowned performers to mark Remembrance Day at one of London’s most beautiful historic buildings, raising money for The Not Forgotten.

We have joined forces with the Freemasons and the United Grand Lodge of England to host a spectacular fundraising music event that will stay with you long after the final note.

Performers include:
🌟 World-renowned tenor Russell Watson
🌟 BRIT-Award winning classical trio BLAKE
🌟Strictly Come Dancing stars Kristina Rihanoff and Pasha Kovalev
🌟 Actress and singer Anita Harris
🌟 Celebrated organist Sir Andrew Parmley
🌟 The London Scottish Pipes and Drums
🌟 The Heroes Band

Step inside the magnificent Grand Temple at Freemasons’ Hall in Central London for a Remembrance Concert bringing together top performers, powerful storytelling and over three centuries of service to our Armed Forces.

From the popular tunes of World War One and the iconic songs of World War Two ‘forces sweetheart’ Dame Very Lynn, to military band music, pipes and drums, and haunting performances from some of the UK’s top classical artists.

The evening will conclude with a moving Act of Remembrance, followed by a rousing finale of Jerusalem and Land of Hope and Glory – union flags at the ready.

Tickets £75 - snap up yours now at https://link.militaryapp.org/tnf/dfv5Vy

09/10/2026

09/10/2026

The Great Wheelbarrow Yomp!

RM veteran Ian and his trusty wheelbarrow have now made it from Northern Ireland to South Wales - along with the mighty one-man support team RM veteran BJ Farrimond - and they are about to enter their final week!

WATCH THIS INCREDIBLE FILM OF THEIR JOURNEY SO FAR - around the coastline of the UK from Lands End to John O'Groats then across to Northern Ireland.

👀 ▶
https://youtube.com/shorts/iUPeFq0zJ1Y?feature=share

Donate to Ian's challenge at https://www.justgiving.com/page/wheelbarrowyomp

08/10/2026

🎉 28 For 28 Campaign smashes its target! 🎉

At the beginning of this year we announced the launch of the 'Team 28 for 28' Challenge marking the retirement of our ​Head of Events Rosie Thompson after an incredible 28 years' service.

Rosie is walking or running 28 miles every single week during 2026 and has been joined in this challenge by 27 veterans, partners and supporters forming the formidable ‘Team 28 for 28’, each team member covering their own 28 miles per week.

Not only are the core team putting in the graft; supporters and beneficiaries have been working hard to sponsor and fundraise in support of the Team, hosting fundraising events, crafting and painting, skydiving, cycling and making generous donations.

WE ARE THRILLED TO ANNOUNCE THAT JUST 9 MONTHS INTO THE CHALLENGE WE HAVE SMASHED THE CAMPAIGN TARGET!

The current total for '28 For 28' sits at an incredible £46,422.96!

Far exceeding the campaign goal of reaching £28,000 by December!

Although the Team have smashed their target they are keen to push onwards and raise even more money for The Not Forgotten.

Fired up by the extraordinary generosity of those who have supported them so far and by the sense of personal pride and satisfaction in continuing their challenge, they will continue to pace out 28 miles every single week for the final three months of the year.

We look forward to announcing their final total in December!

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW THE TEAM HAVE SMASHED THIS: https://thenotforgotten.org/28-for-28-campaign-smashes-target/