332:. Whilst on tour in Afghanistan in 2012, a roadside bomb hurled Stewart's vehicle into a ditch leaving him with brain damage; the impact of which has left him partially sighted and partially deaf. The same year he also witnessed three of his comrades shot dead by an Afghan policeman. Stewart was later diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder before leaving the Army at the age of 28; the culmination of 13 years' service. He now spends his time trying to help other injured soldiers suffering with mental health issues.
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In 2010, the charity changed its name to ABF The
Soldiers’ Charity, in response to external factors within the sector. In November 2023, after research confirmed the name Army Benevolent Fund had remained a widely recognised brand, which resonates powerfully with core supporters and serving soldiers
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High-profile individuals who have provided support for the charity include people from the worlds of film, TV, sport, music and entertainment, who choose to support the charity on a wide range of fundraising, awareness and campaigning activity. Previous and ongoing supporters of the
Charity include
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Every year, thousands of individuals received welfare support from ABF The
Soldiers' Charity. Many of these individuals have gone on to become ambassadors for The Soldiers' Charity, sharing their stories in order to raise much needed funds and awareness for the cause. These individuals include:
223:
Winston
Churchill’s War Cabinet discussed the formation of the Army Benevolent Fund a national charity for the British Army to ensure support would be available for soldiers, veterans and their families in peacetime. The Army Benevolent Fund was founded in 1944 as the Army Benevolent Fund. The
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demobilisation of soldiers after the two World Wars had put an enormous strain on
Regimental and Corps charitable funds and highlighted the need for a national charity to give practical help to soldiers and veterans. Its first patron was
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and since specialises in sculptures. With thanks to the
Trustees of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Charities (Limited), The Soldiers' Charity stepped in to help John with a bursary to help him with living costs whilst he studies.
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The Army
Benevolent Fund is a key funder for many specialist organisations who rely on such funding to continue their bespoke support to the Army family and partners, alongside over 92 military service charities including the
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The charity continues to support the Army family by giving grants to individuals and other specialist charities that help soldiers and their families. It works with veterans from every conflict since the
346:. John also served as a Reservist in the infantry between 1982 and 1984. John suffers with PTSD and has found therapy in art. He decided to apply for a three-year BA (Hons) degree course in Fine Art at
361:. He was part of a recce team whose job was to pinpoint enemy positions, often being the driver of the front vehicle going towards the German lines. Joseph has recently been awarded the
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In the financial year 22/23, the charity helped 70,000 people in 45 countries worldwide, and funded 74 other charities and organisations that deliver frontline services.
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from 1970 to 1974. He joined the Army when he was 18 years old and deployed on back to back tours of
Northern Ireland at the height of
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Supporting
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The charity runs key national events as part of its fundraising activities:
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The charity has a range of corporate partners and supporters that includes
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Alliance Trust Cateran Yomp seeks those who can go the distance
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sees participants trek across the 54 mile Cateran Trail in
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the charity reverted to the name Army Benevolent Fund
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Army Benevolent Fund, registered charity no. 1146420
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51:. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
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284:and the Frontline Walk.
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60:"Army Benevolent Fund"
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262:– The annual Cateran
1005:Army Benevolent Fund
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295:Royal British Legion
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984:. Retrieved
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370:Brenda Hale
268:Blairgowrie
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219:History
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