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We are extremely lucky to have received a grant from BFBS the Big Salute recently and our charity is now showcased on their website raising our profile. The charity has been awarded a couple of grants now including Veterans Awards and Veterans Foundation donations.  We cannot express how thankful we are to these organisations for recognising our charity as a worthwhile cause and helping us to get closer to our target. The application is now in with the National Memorial Arbor

A recent article on ITV has highlighted the impact of Blast Exposure on veterans.  The death of Wayne Mallon who served 24 years in the Royal Artillery has been deemed by the coroner to be as a result of Blast Exposure.   Although discharged from the Army with significant hearing loss he was otherwise in good health.  The headaches started soon after and were mild to start with but built over time leaving Wayne with terrible pain, mood swings and changes to his character.   F

Please join me tonight on the Late Night Veterans Show at 9pm where I will be talking to Darren Wright about the challenges involved in starting a charity for the UK’s first memorial solely dedicated to veteran suicide. Storm Goretti caused technical problems last week and The Late Night Veterans Show was unable to go live so we are giving it another go tonight. The Late Night Veteran Show is streamed on YouTube and if you want to join the podcast it is on tonight at 21.00hrs

Elysium Memorial Foundation wreath laying at National Memorial Arboretum Darlington charity campaign for veteran suicide memorial The Elysium Memorial Foundation, set up in 2020, has set its sights on raising £50,000 to fund the creation of the monument at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA), in Staffordshire, by mid-2026. The planned memorial, which organisers said will "provide a place for contemplation and gathering for those affected by the loss of a friend or loved one

Thank you to all those that tuned into YouTube last night to watch the live podcast of Ed on The Late Night Veterans Show.  Unfortunately, due to technical issues caused by Storm Goretti The Late Night Veterans Show, who are based in Pembrokeshire were unable to go live. We have rescheduled for Friday 16 th  January at 9pm and hope you can join Ed as he chats about the challenges raising funds for the UK’s first memorial solely dedicated to veteran suicide.

We are really excited to be starting the new year with a first for Elysium Memorial Foundation and Ed as we join Darren Wright (host) and Phillip Greenfield of the Royal Regiment of Wales on a live podcast to talk about the Elysium memorial and the charity going forward. The Late Night Veteran Show is streamed on YouTube and if you want to join the podcast it is on Friday 9 th  January at 21.00hrs.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nq4xwRxPQk8   You will need to subscribe to t

We all know that Christmas is a varied time of year.  Some are thrilled, have their decorations up about 6 weeks beforehand and are organised, presents wrapped, cake ready to iced etc etc, and there are those that find it all a bit of struggle.  The extra expectations, the expense, those that gleefully brag “ohh I have already done all mine” when they ask if you are ready for the big day?!  Then there is yet another group that are dreading it.  This could be their first year

The 24hr Mental Health Support Line, previously managed by Combat Stress, has now renamed as the ‘Armed Forces Support Line’ under the management of Optima Health. Optima Health is one of the UK's largest occupational health and employee wellbeing services company, bringing over 75 years of experience and is a major provider to the NHS, central, and local government. Of key importance, is that this was a transition of service, not a change in the level or quality of support p

Easyfundraising is an excellent way to raise money whilst doing your usual online shopping.  The list of retailers that are covered by the organisation is vast and although the donation amounts can vary the small pennies all add up.  Amongst some of the retailers are Waitrose, Ocado, Sainsbury and Tesco.  Fashion has M&S, Next, Boden and Asos. Wanting to book your winter sun holiday? Go through Easyfundraising to Booking.com , Expedia and Virgin.  Whatever you need this seaso

Transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging, and finding the right resources often feels overwhelming. That’s where a dedicated magazine for veterans steps in—not just as a publication, but as a lifeline of information, support, and community. This magazine is designed with veterans in mind, offering practical guidance and inspiration. Each issue is packed with articles that address the unique needs of those who have served, including: Employment Opportuni

How does your village, town, city show their support of Remembrance Day?  As we come up to the moving ceremony at the Cenotaph and parades throughout the country, we wonder how that sense of pride and honour is shown in your local area.  Many places have amazing swathes of hand-crafted poppies on buildings, lamp posts and gardens.  As you drive through these areas you are filled with a sense of gratitude for their hard work and their steadfast show of support to our fallen he

There has always been a special bond between humans and animals, this is even greater now with a rise in therapy and emotional support animals.  These unsung heroes have also played a huge part in conflicts throughout the world and history. As we come up to Remembrance Sunday where we honour our fallen let us take a moment to also honour the animals that have contributed so much. The PDSA Dickin Medal is the highest award any animal can receive whilst serving in military conf

Following the recent news on the sad loss of Ricky Hatton we are reminded that it doesn’t matter if someone looks like they have it all together or a great life, mental health illness can still remain hidden.  There are many celebrities that suffer with depression, anxiety and PTSD, Robin Williams, Lady Gaga, Adele, Dwayne Johnson and Ariana Grande to name but a few proving the point that you are not alone and that mental health illness does not discriminate. There is so much

I thought I had done remembrance services before and didn’t see how this could be so different.  However, with the help of Jeff, Fin and...

Thank you very much to those who nominated me for the @veteransawards last night. I amazingly won bronze in the Inspiration of the year...

A newly formed charity dedicated to supporting military craftsmanship centres on empowering veterans through craftsmanship initiatives...

Suicide is a topic that too often lingers in silence, tightly wrapped in stigma and misunderstanding. Yet, it is a reality that touches...

Normandy’s first fully inclusive gîte, designed specifically for disabled guests, carers, families and friends is set in the quiet town...

The RCA Trust, formerly known as Renfrew Council on Alcohol, is an addictions charity based in Paisley Scotland and has been around since...

Today marks the birthday of Michael Mackenzie, father and  co-founder of Elysium Memorial Foundation.   My father was passionate about...