Distinguished Judging Panel Selects 2015 Soldiering On Awards Winners

Award winners to be announced on 18 April 2015

A distinguished panel of judges met in London in November 2014 to select the 2015 Soldiering On Awards winners. The highlight of the Soldiering On Through Life Trust military charity's calendar year; the awards honour teams or individuals for inspirational and outstanding achievements within the Armed Forces Community. Award nominees are put forward by members of the public and Armed Forces charities from across the UK.

Led by judging panel chairman General the Lord Dannatt, judges included:

• Lt Gen Sir Andrew Ridgeway, chairman of COBSEO
• Debra Allcock-Tyler, chief executive of the Directory of Social Change
• Air vice Marshall Tony Stables, chairman of Forces in Mind Trust
• Sir Keith Pearson, chairman Health Education England
• Admiral the Rt Hon Lord Alan West of Spithead
• Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton
• Soldiering On Through Life Trust chairman Wg Cdr Tal Lambert

"The Soldiering On Awards continues to grow from strength to strength which is evident from the notable members of our judging panel," said Lambert. "This year was our most difficult yet with so many worthwhile nominations. The judges did a commendable job in selecting our 2015 award winners."

Winners are selected by the independent panel with the exception of the People's Choice Award whereby the winner is selected by the public via a national newspaper partner. Recipients may be honoured in one of nine categories, two of which are new to the 2015. They are:

• Against All Odds Award
• Canine Partner Award
• Courage Award (new)
• Family Values Award
• Innovation Award (new)
• Lifetime Achievement Award
• People's Choice Award
• Sporting Endeavour Award
• Training and Rehabilitation Award

"The Soldiering On Awards not only enable us to publicly repay a great debt of gratitude to Servicemen and women, their families and those who support them," said Lord Astor of Hever DL, the charity's patron. "They also keep front of mind the strong bond between the Services and civilian life as well as how we can learn from each other as we continue to work together for many years to come for the good of society as a whole."

Nominations were received from dozens of charities from across the military charity sector. Award winners will be notified through their nominating charity and recognised at the fifth annual Soldiering On Awards ceremony which will take place on Saturday, 18 April 2015 at the Park Plaza Westminster in London.

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Soldiering On Through Life Trust was established as a not-for-profit organisation to support injured Service personnel and their families throughout their lives by giving recognition of the inspirational and outstanding achievements of teams or individuals through an annual awards ceremony: The Soldiering On Awards: One Awards Ceremony for the Whole of the Armed Forces Community.

For highlights of the 2014 Soldiering On Awards visit: http://soldieringon.org/awards-2014/

Media Inquiries: Madonna Walsh, Communications Director

Soldiering On Through Life Trust

0798-222-6173

Madonna.Walsh@soldieringon.org

AWARD CATEGORIES

Against All Odds Award
In recognition of an individual who, in spite of injuries sustained whilst they were serving their country, has set an example by overcoming all things that faced them during recovery to inspire other to soldier on.

Canine Partner Award
To recognise the incredible association between a member of the Armed Forces Community and the help his canine partner provided after serious injury.

Courage Award
In recognition of an individual who, has shown in spite of injuries sustained in the service of their country, has set an example for others to follow in his or her determination and courage to overcome their injury or disability.

Family Values Award
In recognition of an individual or family that has provided outstanding support to an injured person or people who have served their country.

Innovation Award
In recognition of an individual or organisation that has shown an innovating way to approach aiding the recovery of Service individual(s) overcome life-changing injuries.

Lifetime Achievement Award
In recognition of an individual or group who, through a lifetime of service, has provided a significant contribution in support of the Armed Forces Community.

People's Choice Award
Five nominations are to be considered for recognition and selection through one of the UK's Lead National Newspapers (TBC).

Sporting Endeavour Award

In recognition of an individual who has reached beyond their disability or injury to inspire others through their sporting achievements.

Training and Rehabilitation Award
In recognition of an individual or organisation that has given exceptional training and support in helping individual(s) overcome life-changing injuries.