Former Metropolitan Police officer and Army widow, Elaine, has been living since 2018 at the Chiswick War Memorial Home, part of The Stoll Foundation. The ABF helps fund The Stoll Foundation, which provides housing support for military veterans and their dependants. 

Elaine, who is a recipient of the Elizabeth Cross, met her late husband, Richard, when they were both attending a rehabilitation centre in 1985. Three weeks later they married and had 20 years together. Richard had sustained head injuries in a bomb blast while serving as a rifleman with the Royal Green Jackets in Northern Ireland in the early 1980s. These injuries left him at risk of seizures for the rest of his life, and he tragically died, aged 45, in 2005.

Both Elaine and Richard were tireless fundraisers for the Air Ambulance Services around the country. Elaine says: “We raised money because they once saved Richard’s life.” In 2024, Richard was honoured by having his name included in a list of ‘London Legends’ as part of the livery of a new service helicopter, which is now operational.  As Elaine says: “Richard’s name is flying high on life-saving missions with the London Air Ambulance.”

Memories and mementoes of Richard and Elaine’s life together, and of Richard’s military service, are proudly displayed in Elaine’s flat. She continues to be involved with military charities and organisations such as the Army Widows Associations, another charity the ABF helps fund.

Elaine says: “The busier the better I am, so I avoid being depressed; I always want to enjoy my day – Richard is always with me.”

An active member of the Stoll community, Elaine regularly joins in the many social activities, including Friday coffee mornings, and goes on trips organised by The Foundation and its partners in the local community.

She says: “’Moving to Stoll was the right move for me- a fresh start. Our House Manager, Alfred, is lovely and works hard to ensure the Home operates in a friendly way. The staff are excellent, and they look after us well. It’s made a huge difference, knowing I can live my life in this caring, supportive environment with access to the right type of help when needed.”

The ABF was delighted to make a grant of £48,094 to The Stoll Foundation in winter 2024.