Volunteers’ Week runs from 1-7 June and provides an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the invaluable contributions of volunteers.
Our charity relies on the dedication of our incredible volunteers, including our county committee chairs and members who work closely with local communities to deliver events across the country. Without their commitment, we simply would not be able to run the many fundraising activities that support soldiers, veterans, and their families. We are immensely grateful for everything they do.
Tilly Lambert-Lee, Regional Director of ABF South West, says:
“As a charity, we’re incredibly lucky to be backed by such brilliant volunteers. Whether it’s soldiers or cadets turning out to support our events, or committee members bringing communities together with everything from golf days and curry lunches to quiz nights, raffles and race evenings. Seeing people transform something they love into meaningful fundraising, that passion they bring with them, is what drives our success, so we’re more than happy to be here to support them every step of the way. When great people get involved, amazing things can happen!”
This week, we shine a light on four volunteers who have been nominated for Room to Reward – a charity that recognises exceptional volunteers by partnering with hotels to offer complimentary rooms. These rooms, which would otherwise go unused, provide volunteers with a well-deserved and memorable break in recognition of their hard work.
Our outstanding volunteers who have benefitted from these breaks are Chris, Lizzie, George, and Bob. Read on to learn more about their inspiring journeys.
Chris
Around 15 years ago, Chris established a regular charity book stall at Salisbury Charter Market. The stall now runs every Saturday and has grown significantly in popularity, even gaining its own Facebook group, where updates are shared if poor weather prevents it from operating.
All the books are donated, with a large double garage serving as storage. As new donations arrive and books are sold, there is a constant turnover, ensuring that visitors always have something new to browse.
In addition to raising funds for good causes, the stall also gives thousands of books a new lease of life that might otherwise have been discarded. Volunteers take great pride in seeing these books find new homes.
Thanks to Chris’s dedication, the volume of donations has increased, the stall has become a valued community asset, and it continues to bring together volunteers and book lovers alike.
Lizzie
Lizzie began supporting the ABF in 2006 and has remained a committed and active volunteer ever since.
Her involvement spans a wide range of activities, reflecting both her flexibility and her enthusiasm for supporting the Army family. In the lead-up to Christmas each year, Lizzie volunteers at the ‘Cards for Good Causes’ shop in Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Square, where she helps raise funds while engaging warmly with the local community. Her friendly nature and reliability make her an integral member of the team.
Lizzie also dedicates a significant amount of time to collections at the Chelsea Flower Show, one of the ABF’s key fundraising events. Working long days throughout the week, she supports the vital task of processing donations, helping to ensure that funds are handled accurately and efficiently.
George
Having experienced first-hand the support offered by the ABF, George has become a passionate advocate and volunteer for the charity.
In 2011, George was involved in a serious road traffic accident while travelling on his motorbike, sustaining catastrophic injuries, including breaking his back in eight places. He was left paralysed from the chest down and now uses a wheelchair for mobility.
The Army Benevolent Fund provided funding towards an all-terrain mobility aid, enabling George to once again explore the beach, woodland and countryside with his family.
Now, George shares his story at local events across the South West. One of his recent highlights was a display he presented alongside his brother at the 2025 Somerset Armed Forces Day in Taunton’s Vivary Park. The display featured George’s WWII Jeep, “Norma”, along with a collection of deactivated weapons. It attracted strong public interest, encouraged donations, and won the award for Best Displayed Four-Wheeled Vehicle.
George says that for him, helping drive donations for serving soldiers, veterans, and their families is a special thing to do.
Bob
As the founder of the Cateran Trail, Bob has been involved with the ABF’s flagship event, the Cateran Yomp, since 2012. He plays a vital role in the event’s success – without him, it simply would not exist.
A keen outdoorsman, Bob continues to support the event each year, meeting participants and ambassadors along the route, despite being in his 70s. He has built strong friendships with the organisers and is always happy to offer guidance and support.
Bob says:
“You are never walking on your own – you are part of a team. And even if you do become separated for any reason, you will always find someone to walk alongside on the Trail.”
Volunteer for the ABF
If you would like to start your own journey as a volunteer for the Army’s national charity, you can find out more on our website.