Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) hosted its Portsmouth Recognition Evening at the Warrant Officers & Senior Rates Mess at HMS Excellent on 17 March 2026, welcoming 150 guests, including two WW2 veterans, from across the region for an evening of appreciation and celebration.
Bringing together volunteers, fundraisers, ambassadors, trustees and corporate partners, the reception recognised the individuals and organisations whose dedication enables the charity to continue its vital mission: supporting sailors, marines and their families.
The evening was opened by Samantha Nicolson MBE, Chief Executive of RNRMC, who paid tribute to those who go above and beyond in support of the naval community.
“It is a real privilege to come together and recognise the extraordinary commitment shown by our supporters. Each plays a vital part in ensuring RNRMC can continue to stand alongside sailors, marines and their families whenever they need us. Their dedication, generosity and belief in our mission make a lasting difference, and we are deeply grateful.”
A special tribute was paid to WW2 Veterans, Ken Arkell and Robin Boodle, whose service and legacy continue to inspire generations within the naval family.
Ken joined the Royal Navy as a Telegraphist in the closing days of the war, serving at sea and overseas, including in Ceylon and Singapore, before demobilisation. He remains an active member of the naval community and, over the past year, has attended a number of commemorative events, including VE Day celebrations in Portsmouth, where he was honoured with a trip aboard a historic Motor Gun Boat.
Robin served for 24 years in the Royal Navy, enlisting just before his 15th birthday in 1939. His career spanned the Battle of the Atlantic and operations across the Pacific, Burma and the Far East. Initially serving as a gunner aboard HMS Suffolk, he later retrained in Navigation and Radar at HMS Dryad. In recent years, with support from RNRMC, he has attended VE Day 80 commemorations, including a service at Westminster Abbey, and celebrated his 101st birthday.
Recognition certificates were presented to individuals and organisations who have demonstrated exceptional commitment over the past 12 months, celebrating achievement across fundraising, volunteering, partnership and community leadership
Mandy Lindley, Deputy Chief Executive of RNRMC, and Jan Dunn, RNRMC Ambassador, were among those presenting certificates and personally thanking recipients for the difference they make.
The charity also recognised its volunteer network, whose dedication and proactive spirit continue to strengthen connections with communities across the region.
RNRMC extends sincere thanks to MBDA for sponsoring this year’s event. Through its annual gala dinner, the company has raised vital funds for the charity’s Supporting Families pathway, while its employees have also contributed their time to initiatives such as the pre/served upcycling project.
These recognition events are a strong reminder that the charity’s impact is made by the unwavering commitment of those who stand alongside us in supporting our naval family -for life.
