SSAFA on the ground

SSAFA provides lifelong support to our Armed Forces, veterans and their families in times of need.

Beginning this vital work in 1885, this makes SSAFA the oldest tri-service, military charity running in the UK. This year alone, staff and teams of volunteers have helped over 67,000 people – from World War Two veterans to those involved in more recent conflicts and their families.

It has become clear over more than 130 years of providing Forces support that everyone faces different challenges, so SSAFA uses a tailored approach to meet the needs of today’s serving community. Whether it’s practical, emotional and financial support – SSAFA is there to serve the Armed Forces family every step of the way.

How can you make a difference? 

You too can help us to make a change to the lives of the Forces community, by joining the ranks of fundraisers who are using their creativity to raise vital funds for SSAFA. Every fun run, skydive, bake sale, community fun day or sponsored walk means that more funds are raise to give much needed support for serving personnel, veterans and their families.

Last year over 1,200 individuals got involved and raised money for SSAFA, each of them played a part in helping SSAFA provide ongoing support for those in need.

Vitality London 10,000 – 28th May

The London 10,000km run has become one of London’s premier running events. Take in the sights of the capital, from the Mall to the finish line opposite Buckingham Palace.

Heineken Race to the Tower 

9 – 10 June 2018 

Race from Stroud – Broadway and conquer the Cotswolds. Choose to camp over the weekend or take on the full distance of the Cotswold Way in one go all the way to the foot of the magnificent Broadway Tower.

Race to the King

23 – 24 June 2018

Walk, jog or run is the stunning South Downs, taking you from Arundel to the magnificent Winchester Cathedral.

Race to the Stones

14 July 2018 to 15 July 2018

Take part in one of the UK’s biggest long-distance treks or runs for SSAFA, on the Ridgeway – Britain’s oldest path. 100km is all that stands in your way, as you walk, jog or run to the historic Avebury Stone Circle.

Freedom Trail 

14 to 19 August 2018

This beautiful and demanding trek in the Pyrenees follows the Freedom Trail, or ‘Chemin de la Liberté’, one of the toughest WW2 escape routes from Nazi occupied France into Spain.

Ride to the Somme 

29th August 

Ride to the Somme will commemorate the cycling soldiers that fought and fell during the Great War with a ride of 250 miles over 3 days.

 

Anyone can fundraise 

Gary (ex-Royal Navy) organises a music festival in Wiltshire, to help get veterans together and raise money for SSAFA.

“Fun in the Field is for military veterans to get together, share their problems – because some of them have suffered with PTSD – and talk about things with likeminded people who can relate to the problems they’re going through.

It started off as just a BBQ and over the last few years it’s grown. The first Fun in the Field took about four or five months to put together. I would say that the first one was probably the most difficult one because I had to establish contacts – for electricity, generators, portaloos, showers – but luckily people in the village had contacts and were happy to help me.”

Any advice?

“Anyone can fundraise. It doesn’t have to be on a massive scale – you could do a coffee morning and raise funds for SSAFA. I think if you’re committed, do the right amount of research and you’re confident, you’ll find that raising money for SSAFA isn’t as difficult as you might think.”

“The end result, when it’s a success and you hand that cheque to SSAFA, is so satisfying because the money is going to such a good cause and a great charity.”

Help SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity to make a difference to the military community in times of need, head to –

ssafa.org.uk/fundraise.

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