On Thursday 1 October, we were delighted to host 70 supporters and guests, including award-winning actor Jeremy Irons, and The Military Wives Choir, at the ABF Gala Dinner: Connecting the Army Family, at the BT Tower.
The tallest structure in London upon completion, the venue serves as a landmark to connection, and this special event aimed to highlight the ABF’s vital work connecting serving soldiers, former soldiers, and their families to timely and essential support, to help them move forward with their lives and thrive.
Journalist and presenter Simon McCoy hosted the evening, which included a welcome address by the ABF’s president, General Sir James Everard, and an after-dinner interview with award-winning actor and long-standing ABF supporter, Jeremy Irons.
During Jeremy Irons’ conversation with Simon McCoy, he reflected on his time in the Combined Cadet Force, where he rose to the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major. He spoke about how a military career had once seemed a realistic possibility and suggested he may have enjoyed Army life because of the camaraderie and shared sense of purpose that come from working closely as part of a team.
Jeremy also praised the ABF’s work supporting soldiers, veterans and their families. He highlighted the lasting physical and psychological impact of combat and emphasised the importance of ensuring those who have served receive the support some might need after leaving the military.
“They put their lives on the line for us,” he said. “You have to help them, so that they can have a useful career, and a useful and happy life after all they have been through.”
Simon also was joined in conversation by Army veteran and ABF beneficiary Alan Hughes, formerly of the Royal Engineers.
Alan shared his experiences of serving in Iraq at the height of the conflict, and the lasting impact it had on his life. Recalling one particular incident, he said:
“Unbeknown to us, all along the side of the road, there was a daisy chain of explosives, 48 of them, all lined up. Our first vehicle hit the sensor which took out a few more vehicles at the front before the detonating cord had been cut. That was the first time I’ve ever been scared while in the military.”
Following this tour, Alan struggled with his mental health. Although he did not immediately recognise the impact his experiences had on him, seven years after leaving the Army he developed a drinking habit and became depressed. After years of bottling things up, he finally broke down in front of his wife and sought help.
Alan was supported by Combat Stress, a charity proudly funded by the ABF, before being introduced to another ABF-supported charity, The Warrior Programme. There, a three-day residential course played a life-changing role in his recovery, helping him regain confidence and look positively towards the future.
We are very grateful to Major General (Retd) Jonathan Cole CB OBE, Director of BT Defence, for enabling the ABF to host its supporters and guests at this very special venue; to MBDA, one of our longest-standing supporters, for being Associate Sponsor; and to the Military Wives Choir for their moving performance on the night.