RNRMC hosted a Reward and Recognition reception at the Royal Maritime Club, Portsmouth this evening thanking the charity’s supporters in the region for their ongoing commitment to our mission to support sailors, marines and their families, for life.
The charity’s Chief Executive, Andrew Jameson, welcomed guests including the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Tom Coles, and Lady Elly Key, representing Admiral Sir Ben Key, the Royal Navy’s First Sea Lord, along with charity trustees and many of the RNRMC’s volunteers, fundraisers, local ambassadors and corporate partners.
The evening was an opportunity to recognise and pay tribute to the outstanding efforts of those who have gone above and beyond for the charity over the past 12 months.
Recognition certificates were awarded by the charity’s Vice Chair of trustees, Kate Phipps-Wiltshire, in the following categories:
2023 Extraordinary fundraisers
Pascal Patterson – Stars and Spokes
For his perseverance and inspiring 5,000km cycle from San Diego to Florida, demonstrating passion and determination in supporting military mental health, raising vital funds and awareness of the challenges people face.
Lars Atkins & Harry Goodliff – Matterhorn Climb
For their impressive challenge to scale the Matterhorn, demonstrating resilience and courage. With Lars summiting the mountain but Harry ultimately being forced to abandon his attempt due to altitude sickness, the pair raised significant funds for the RNRMC and made a positive impact in their community.
Cam Cameron – Rockall challenge
For spending an incredible 30 days living on the tiny, uninhabitable North Atlantic islet of Rockall, fundraising for both RNRMC and the Army Benevolent Fund.
Lt. Alexander Miles – Individual fundraiser
For taking on some of the toughest challenge events the UK has to offer in the form of 2 Triathlons and tackling the heat of the Bahrain Iron Man, as well as taking part in the Great South Run. Alex has been fundraising for both RNRMC and the homelessness charity, Alabaré.
Lt. Nick Hargreaves – Individual fundraiser
For running the 130 mile Leeds to Liverpool Canal Race in August 2023, which saw him completing up to 110k per week in training runs alongside multiple park runs, trails and several 10k races.
HMS Oardacious – Atlantic Row
Celebrating the remarkable journey and philanthropic spirit of a group of sailors and submariners, we recognise their courageous feat of rowing across the Atlantic, as well as their team of supporters who rowed along in their homes and offices uniting to improve mental health support for submariners.
2023 Community Projects
HMS Collingwood – for their unwavering support of the charity, each year donating a percentage of ticket sales from their Open Day and RNRMC Field Gun Competition to RNRMC, and proactively getting involved in our fundraising campaigns, such as Stand Easy coffee mornings. Their Warrant Officers’ and Senior Rates’ Mess also have RNRMC as their nominated charity, raising money for us at their mess functions.
HMS Sultan and HMS Excellent – for their ongoing support in fundraising for RNRMC at a wide variety of their naval base events.
RNRMC Neurodiversity Project – in recognition of the dedicated volunteers who have contributed to discovery and research events throughout 2023. The volunteers involved have shared personal challenges and some of the barriers they face when living with neurodiversity in the Royal Navy. They have helped us to shape offers and to devise future support opportunities and resources for serving personnel and families based on need and lived experience.
2023 Partnerships
MBDA – for their outstanding commitment to the RNRMC through generous funding towards the charity’s Neurodiversity project, active engagement with our life-raft upcycling initiative with over 30 staff members volunteering and impactful fundraising through a fantastic charity dinner benefiting all three services.
Oarsome Chance and the Royal Navy – for their partnership with the charity on the award-winning upcycling project, creating bespoke, saleable products from disused navy liferafts.
Charity Champions
Reanne – Christmas 2023 Appeal
In recognition of her family’s contribution to the charity’s Christmas appeal by sharing her experience of being the spouse of someone in the Royal Navy, particularly when they are deployed over the Christmas period. Our heartfelt thanks go out to Reanne and her family, James, Scarlette and Amber.
Royal Marines Band – RM Band Tour
In recognition of the team effort between RNRMC, the Royal Marines Band Service and RMA The Royal Marines Charity to deliver a series of concerts in regional areas of the UK, where the band do not traditionally play. All profits from the tour were split between the two charities. With our thanks to the band service and the many volunteers who supported the tour. Including the staff of the Naval Regional Commands who helped source local volunteers, in particular Warrant Officer Janice Scott who helped with the Nottingham and Leicester Concerts. Thanks also to John and Bobbie Branson and Ian Robinson for all their support on the tour.
Ian Robinson – RNRMC Leicester Hub
In recognition of Royal Navy veteran Ian’s assistance, initially, at the Royal Marines Band Concert in his home city of Leicester and subsequently forming the charity’s Leicester hub, organising numerous fundraising and awareness activities in the community.
Volunteers
Susan Scott – for her tireless efforts volunteering in the charity’s offices sourcing numerous auction prizes which will raise funds at our upcoming flagship Carrier Ball.
Team Doing It for Heroes – for raising over £137k for RNRMC as our top bucket collecting team, basing themselves at train stations, concert venues and sporting events in London, come rain or shine.
Solent Support Group – for the group’s ongoing support of our Senior Engagement Officer Hilary in Portsmouth and surrounding areas. Some of the group have volunteered for over 10 years and give up their time to help run fundraising and information stalls at families days and public events, and assisting at larger charity led events.
John Branson – for his 7 years of volunteering for RNRMC, both with the Solent Support group, acting as a collection pot co-ordinator, and for his regular briefings about RNRMC at Royal Navy Leadership Academy Divisional Officers’ Courses. He raises awareness of grants and fundraising opportunities and brings considerable income to RNRMC by way of payroll giving sign ups.
The Type 42 Association – for their long-term support, having made RNRMC one of their main designated charities for a number of years. Members raise money at a wide variety of events, in particular their biennial reunion and, to date, have raised a fabulous £12,200.00.
RNRMC extends its condolences to the family and friends of former Type 42 Association Chair Bob Mullen, following the sad news of his death in October 2023. Falklands veteran, Bob, is recognised for his part in the association choosing to support RNRMC and for his advocacy of the charity’s work.
