The UK’s Armed Forces community came together on Wednesday to celebrate the achievements of veterans, serving personnel, families and supporters at the 15th annual Soldiering On Awards 2025.
Hosted at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel by broadcaster Jeremy Vine, the ceremony recognised 13 winners from across the UK for their contributions to community, business, healthcare, education and beyond. The event also marked the 80th anniversaries of VE Day and VJ Day, paying tribute to the wartime generation.
Celebrating the Armed Forces community
The awards highlight resilience, leadership and service across the Armed Forces community, with categories recognising individuals, organisations and partnerships making a difference.
Among the winners were:
- Mark Ormrod MBE – winner of the Inspiration Award. The former Royal Marine, the UK’s first triple amputee from the Afghanistan conflict, has raised over £1 million for veterans, competed at the Invictus Games and continues to mentor others through his work with Kaizen Summit.
- Archie Douglas and Cocoa – recipients of the Animal Partnership Award. Cocoa, trained by Bravehound, supports Archie by alerting others when he is unwell, enabling him to live independently.
- David Trotman – honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for more than 50 years of service supporting veterans and their families. He founded Woody’s Lodge in 2011, which now supports more than 7,000 people in Wales.
The Inspiration and Animal Partnership Awards were decided by a public vote, reflecting the role of the wider Armed Forces community in celebrating its own.
Minister praises resilience and contribution
This year’s ceremony marked the first attendance of Louise Sandher-Jones MP, Minister for Veterans and People, who praised the winners and finalists for their contribution to society. “These awards highlight the strength, resilience and innovation that define our veteran and service community,” she said. “This government is committed to ensuring they and their families receive the recognition, opportunities and support they deserve.”
A night of remembrance and unity
The event featured a performance by the British Army’s Multicultural Network, supported by Karl Harris, celebrating the contribution of Commonwealth soldiers.
Guests also heard from Colin Bell DFC BEM AE, a 104-year-old veteran who piloted a Mosquito bomber in more than 50 missions during the Second World War. He shared his memories of VE Day and VJ Day with attendees.
Ren Kapur MBE, chief executive of the Soldiering On Awards, said the 15th anniversary was a moment to recognise service and resilience across generations. “This year’s awards pay tribute not only to our incredible finalists and winners, but also to the generations before them, whose courage continues to inspire everything we do,” she said.
The full list of winners and finalists is available at www.soldieringon.org.
