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Back in December 2024 we were very fortunate to secure a Veterans Foundation grant for the building of our memorial. We have, of course been providing them with updates along the way and I am truly honoured to have been chosen for an interview and for that interview to have been released throughout the media. The interview highlights the reasons behind the mission to build the UK’s first memorial to veteran suicide. The original mission has now been widened to include all a

Suicide is still too often met with silence, stigma, or shame. Silence should never be the response to someone’s pain. With one conversation, asking someone how they’re really doing — and being ready to truly listen — can save lives. Because here’s what we know: No one has to face this alone. Help exists. Healing is possible. And all it can take is for one person to start a conversation. A recent conversation with a friend highlighted this. They had been struggling for some t

Wheels for Wishes is basically a group of bikers with big hearts. We organise rides for children and families going through some of the hardest times imaginable. Sometimes we’re raising money, sometimes we’re helping make memories, and sometimes we just turn up in numbers to show a family they’re not alone because while we can’t fix what they’re going through, we can give them a day where they feel incredibly special. That’s why we ride. Riding for Dreams, Revving for Hope. W

I am extremely honoured to be a finalist in two categories this year for the English Veterans Awards. The timing of this year’s awards could not be better for the Lifetime Achievement award I have been nominated for as it comes just after the opening of the Elysium Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in September. This has been my mission for 5 years now and to have it completed and the work recognised by the Veterans Awards is such an achievement. The charity’s co

I have been extremely lucky over the last few months to have been invited to talk to Gemma Gardner of the Auris Institute and Frankie’s Pod. Frankie’s Pod was a lovely opportunity to talk about life in the military, both regular and reserves, civilian hardships and the force behind starting the Elysium Memorial Foundation. Frankie’s Pod is a relaxed chat, no agenda, no talking points, just a sit down and tell your story. Gemma had a more structured interview style and the Au

With only 13,000 of Scotland's 172,000 veterans currently recorded as veterans on their GP records, it is clear many former members of the Armed Forces may be missing opportunities to access the support and services available to them. As part of a wider project aimed at improving GP sign-up to the Veterans Recognition Scheme, Veterans Scotland is launching our 'Say You Served' social media campaign, on Sunday 9 August, with the aim of encouraging veterans across Scotland to

We’re delighted to add dog tag key rings and necklaces to our Weary Hero merchandise collection. Each tag features our logo on the front, with space on the back for four lines of up to 15 characters each—ideal for a loved one’s name and service number. Our polo shirts and T-shirts come in a wide range of colours, and our baseball caps help keep the ever-present sun out of your eyes. Browse our merchandise to see how you can support us and help spread awareness. https://www

I had the pleasure of meeting Joanne Edwards today who with Matt Wildgoose has created a place where families under pressure can breathe again. Located in Okehampton, Coombe Head Farm provides a place where you feel you can fit in. It is not a retreat in the traditional sense, nor a programme with a fixed agenda. It is somewhere that you can relax and recharge. There is plenty to do and views that have you reaching for your camera. Jo and Matt have created a place where yo

On Friday 16th June, Leyburn marketplace filled with bikers and veterans. The Black Swan pub kindly served as the meeting point, and after a piper’s send-off, the convoy set out for the National Memorial Arboretum. The weather and traffic caused a few delays, and we are deeply grateful to our Guard of Honour for enduring the rain on the motorway. Arriving at the NMA was a welcome milestone and brought us one step closer to completing our mission. We were also encouraged to se

thanks to A.D. Calvert Stone for their amazing work A great article showcasing the excellent work carried out by A.D. Calvert Architectural Stone Supplies Ltd on our memorial. to read the full article - click here Our memorial starts its journey to the National Memorial Arboretum on 12th June at 10am from Leyburn and will be escorted by a Guard of Honour of motorbikes. We are excited for this to be in it's final stages and that it will soon be in place giving people somewhe

We are so excited to announce that the stones for the memorial will be making their way to the National Memorial Arboretum on the 12th June 2026. With the construction team breaking ground on the 1st June and the stones travelling on the 12th we are finally nearing the end of this epic journey. We have been blown away by the response from riders for our Guard of Honour to accompany the stones and if you are interested in joining the Guard of Honour or want to wave us on plea

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our latest venture, a charity raffle, giving everyone the chance to win fantastic prizes while supporting a great cause. All proceeds from the raffle will go towards our ongoing mission of veteran to veteran support. Help us to continue to provide support for veterans and their mental health. Go to our website and join our raffle for a chance to win fantastic prizes. Good luck! https://www.elysiummemorial.co.uk/raffle #charity #donati

Following on from being awarded the Armed Forces Covenant we have now secured our place in the Defence Employment Recognition Scheme. We are thrilled to be included in this scheme and it shows our continued dedication to supporting the Armed Forces community. As we move forward with our memorial we look to the ongoing mission of Elysium Memorial Foundation in supporting veterans who may need a bit of help when they are at their lowest. We are connecting with other charities

We are pleased to add Veterans Mental Health Crisis cards to our support of veterans. These cards provide a quick and easy way to establish contacts, medication and support for veterans who are suffering from any mental health issues arising from service. We are rolling these cards out nationwide and if you think your charity or organisation could benefit from having these cards accessible to those in need then please get in touch. #veteranssupportingveterans #veteranment

Elysium Memorial Foundation is now a registered charity in Scotland. Previously only registered in England & Wales we can now extend our reach and offer veteran to veteran support in Scotland as well. This is a huge opportunity for us to be able to fundraise and spread the word of our memorial across more of the UK. If you live or work in Scotland and want to be able to fundraise or raise awareness please get in touch and we will help in any way we can. #veterantoveteransupp

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

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

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