Celebrating our volunteers at RAF Cranwell
In August, we took time to pause, reflect and celebrate the people who make so much of our work possible - our incredible volunteers.
A group of volunteers from across Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, South Yorkshire and Derbyshire joined us at RAF Cranwell for an afternoon of celebration and recognition. It was a chance to say thank you for the time, energy and kindness they give to our blind veterans.
The highlight of the day was the presentation of our Founders Awards, first introduced to honour the legacy of our founder, Sir Arthur Pearson, in 1915. Today, they recognise those who carry forward his spirit of service, commitment and care.
Before the awards were presented, guests heard a moving tribute from Russel, the son of the late blind veteran Marie. He shared how much the support of volunteers had meant to his mother and his whole family.
“I personally thank all of you in this room for what you do as a befriender, not just for the blind veteran, but for families like mine too.”
Warrant Officer Tracey Kenworthy, RAF Cranwell’s Service Community Support Officer, then presented certificates, commemorative coins and pin badges, and joined us in celebrating the dedication of our volunteers.
Our award winners
Emma and Gill
Emma and Gill gave many years of devoted support to blind veteran Marie, becoming not just volunteers but trusted friends. Their regular visits and companionship meant Marie always had someone to rely on, and their care extended to her whole family, offering reassurance and comfort in her later years.
At the ceremony, Marie’s son Russel gave a moving speech to thank them for everything they had done. He said both women had “exceeded what anyone has a right to expect,” praising the way they supported not only his mother but also the whole family.
Their Founders Awards celebrate the compassion and consistency they showed, and the profound impact they had on one veteran’s life.
Peter
Peter, both a blind veteran and a volunteer, was recognised for the incredible energy he puts into supporting others. Alongside weekly befriending calls to two blind veterans, he saw a need for more local connection and set up a new social group in Sleaford.
Thanks to his dedication, the group now meets monthly, giving blind veterans and their partners a safe and welcoming place to share experiences, enjoy activities and listen to guest speakers. By creating that space, Peter has helped blind veterans in his area feel more connected and less alone.
His Inspiring Community Award celebrates his commitment to building stronger communities and reducing isolation.
David
David has been volunteering since 2019 and has become an invaluable part of our team. He supports two blind veterans in Sheffield - one with regular home visits, and another with whom he shares a love of football, even cheering from opposite sides of the city’s great rivalry.
David goes above and beyond to ensure blind veterans don’t miss out, travelling across the country to help them attend events, and even completing specialist training to support their individual needs on trips. His energy and dedication show what it means to truly go the extra mile.
His award recognises his dedication, generosity and passion for making life better for others.
Martin
Martin has been volunteering for more than nine years, always bringing warmth, humour and commitment to everything he does. He supports a blind veteran with regular visits and phone calls, offering companionship and encouragement through many shared conversations and games of cards.
Martin also lends his time to our National Creative Project, helping prepare and send craft packs that reach blind veterans right across the UK. His contribution makes a difference both locally and nationally.
His Founders Award celebrates his reliability, kindness and the difference he makes both locally and nationally.
The afternoon closed with a raffle and a lively cake auction, raising £133.55 in support of our work.
But more than anything, it was a day to pause and say thank you. As Russel reminded us in his speech, the support that volunteers provide don't just change the lives of blind veterans - they support families too.
That's the power of volunteering. Join us and you could be a part of it too.
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