More than 100 bereaved family members supported by Scotty’s Little Soldiers came together in London over Remembrance Weekend to honour their loved ones who served in the Armed Forces.
The group – made up of 38 families from across the UK, including one who travelled from Germany – attended both the Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall and the National Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph, proudly representing the bereaved military community.
Families take part in national tributes
On Saturday 8 November, seven families, including 12 children and young people, took part in the Festival of Remembrance, which was broadcast on BBC One. The following day, members of Scotty’s joined the March Past the Cenotaph, each walking in memory of their parent who died while serving.
Seventeen-year-old Abigail Haldane, whose father, Lt Col Andrew Haldane of 16 Medical Regiment, died in 2022, carried the wreath on behalf of the charity. Wearing Scotty’s distinctive yellow and black scarves – the colours of the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, where the charity’s namesake Corporal Lee Scott served – the group stood out as a united symbol of remembrance and resilience.
Remembering loved ones together
Abigail said the experience was both emotional and uplifting:
“Remembrance is important to me because it’s a time to honour and remember my dad and everyone who has served and sacrificed for our country. Taking part in the parade helps me feel close to him and proud to represent the military community. Being part of Scotty’s Little Soldiers has made such a difference – it helped me realise I wasn’t alone.”
Supporting families through remembrance
Scotty’s founder Nikki Scott BEM, who set up the charity in 2010 following the death of her husband Corporal Lee Scott in Afghanistan, said the weekend is one of the most meaningful moments in the year for members.
“Remembrance Weekend is always a time to reflect, to honour, and to come together as a community that truly understands what it means to love and remember someone who served,” she said. “Seeing our families stand together at both the Festival of Remembrance and the Cenotaph Parade fills me with pride.”
Fifteen years of support for bereaved military children
The event also marked Scotty’s 15th anniversary. Since its founding, the charity has grown to support nearly 800 bereaved military children and young people each year, providing tailored emotional and practical support to help them build resilience and confidence.
Scotty’s Global Ambassador, Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex, continued his annual tradition of writing a personal letter to members, sharing his thoughts and support during the weekend of remembrance.
Research conducted by the charity over the past 15 years has helped shape its approach to supporting bereaved military families, focusing on community connection, wellbeing, and long-term development for young people affected by loss.
