Louise Fetigan, founder of our Charity attended the Soldiering On Awards ceremony at the Park Plaza, Westminster Bridge Hotel last week. The evening, which celebrated the Military community, was hosted by TV personality Carol Vorderman MBE, who is an Honorary Group Captain in the RAF, and former Royal Marine JJ Chalmers.

Louise and Little Troopers was a finalist in the Family Values award category which was won by the War Widows Association and an extra special little boy – Jamie Small.

The War Widows Association was founded in 1971, The War Widows Association represents widows and widowers irrespective of their late partner’s age, service or rank.  It provides national and regional events ensuring no military family is forgotten after the loss of their loved one.

Jamie Small’s Dad struggled to make the transition to civilian life when he left the Army after 21 years service, and he sadly took his own life. The then ten-year-old and his mum, Mandy, were helped by military charity SSAFA, and decided they wanted to turn their grief in an amazing fundraising effort for the charity. Jamie was the youngest ever Finalist, and his strength and courage is an inspiration to all those he meets.

Louise said “It was amazing to be finalists at the Soldiering On Awards this year in the family values category. It was such an honour to be recognised alongside the organisations and people in the Family Values category. Although we didn’t win it was a night of celebrating so many amazing people and organisations in the Military Community .

Carol Vorderman MBE said: “The Armed Forces community means a lot to me and I was absolutely thrilled to be invited to host this year’s Soldiering On Awards.  The UK’s military personnel and their families are some of the most dedicated in society, and it is no surprise to me that these individuals are achieving such amazing things. It is a testament to the hard work and tenacity of each of them, that they are Finalists in this year’s Awards. They are all making a difference to society whether in the provision of mental health care, on the sporting field or in business.”