FirstLight Trust, a charity helping former members of the armed forces and emergency services get back on their feet, has appointed a new trustee…
Dan Ilett has worked in digital leadership and business growth with Virgin Money, Thomas Cook Money and the UK Government. As a start-up media entrepreneur, Dan specialised in technology, sustainable innovation and blockchain. Dan was also a journalist for the Financial Times and Economist Group.
Dorinda Wolfe Murray from FirstLight Trust said: “Dan’s timing is excellent as 2019 is going to be a critical year for us. We’re creating our sixth coffee bar hub for veterans, this time in Hereford. It follows in the footsteps of our existing establishments in Hawick, Gosport, Lancaster, Redcar and Scarborough. Dan’s experience in finance, communications, technology and fundraising will be invaluable.”
Dan first became a supporter of FirstLight Trust after bidding for a fishing experience day at a charity auction in 2014. Since then he has run charity auctions himself to raise money. Explaining why he is joining as a trustee, Dan said:
“My Dad fought in World War II as part of the Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment of the Royal Artillery. He was left pretty angry about his wartime experiences and it had a big impact on his younger life. PTSD and mental health weren’t as well-talked about then as they are now. I can’t wait to help today’s veterans by offering my expertise in strategy, planning and fundraising initiatives to this exceptional grass-roots charity.”
Best-selling author Bernard Cornwell OBE, author of the Sharpe novels and The Last Kingdom series featuring Uhtred of Bebbanburg, continues as patron of the charity.
