Scotty’s – the military bereavement charity, brought bereaved military children, young people and their families together for a lively virtual party designed to build connection, confidence and a sense of community – with special guest Ben Shephard joining the fun.
Scotty’s supports and empowers anyone affected by military-connected bereavement through a range of services, with children at the heart of the charity. Events are one part of that support, helping members build friendships and feel part of a community that understands their experiences.
Scotty’s holds a number of in-person events for children and young people who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces, but online events are also important. They remove barriers such as long travel, busy venues or worries about stepping into a large group, while still giving families the chance to join in, have fun and feel part of something special.
For many of the children and young people taking part, Ben was already a familiar face. From hosting Ninja Warrior UK to This Morning, Good Morning Britain, Tipping Point and The Summit, there was a good chance that whatever their age, members of Scotty’s had seen Ben on their screens.
54 members of the community joined the evening, including children up to the age of 25, and parents, carers and family members.
During the event, members of Scotty’s put their own questions directly to Ben in a live Q&A.
Poppy, 8, asked Ben what he would do if he were King for a day. Ben said:
“I’d start the day with birthday cake, there would be no school, a water fight with friends and neighbours, then I’d finish the day with ice cream, and everyone could go to bed at whatever time they wanted.”
Lainey, 12, asked Ben what he knew about Scotty’s before the event. Ben said:
“I’ve met Nikki (Scotty’s founder), and I’ve seen some of the work you guys are doing and I think it’s amazing. You are all incredible young superstars. It’s a real privilege to be invited to meet some of you face-to-face. I love being able to support Scotty’s, I think you are all brilliant. I’m very, very proud to be a part of today.”
19-year-old Tuscany, asked Ben what advice he’d give to his younger self. Ben said:
“Don’t be in such a rush. I was always so impatient to do the next thing, be in the next place, meet the next person, and I think sometimes that meant I missed what was going on around me. We talk a lot more these days about trying to be present. I think I would say look up, be present and take the time to appreciate what is going on around you and never ever stop asking questions.”
Hosted by event planners Sharky & George, the virtual party also featured The Ultimate Home Scavenger Hunt – a fast-paced challenge that saw children and families racing around their homes searching for bizarre and funny items before the clock ran out. Participants also took on increasingly ridiculous mini challenges every 20 seconds, from dancing like robots to pulling silly faces.
Following the event, 100% said they were pleased they attended, 100% said they felt positive after attending, and 100% felt a sense of belonging.
One parent said after the event:
“Thank you, with these events my children love the connection to Scotty’s and seeing other children online and having fun. It’s contributed in a positive way on our grief journey.”
Another parent added:
“My daughter was picked to ask Ben a question and to see how happy she was during and after was lovely. Scotty’s is an amazing charity and a place where our bereaved children don’t feel out of place as they all have similar stories.”
A parent also said:
“My daughter has really enjoyed the event and was so giddy and excited, she was dancing away without a care in the world and really enjoyed the event. She finds the online events really fun and of course it was great to hear from Ben!”
Nikki Scott, founder of Scotty’s, said:
“This event was all about connection. Bereaved military families can sometimes feel like they are the only ones going through what they are experiencing, but events like this remind them they are part of a community that understands them.”
Nikki added:
“We were so grateful to Ben for giving his time and bringing such warmth and energy to the evening. He put our members at ease, and it was lovely to see children, young people and families having the opportunity to ask their own questions and share those moments together. Ben made the event extra special and his involvement brought plenty of smiles.”
Scotty’s – the military bereavement charity, supports and empowers anyone affected by military-connected bereavement.
Founded in 2010 by Army widow Nikki Scott after her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2009, the charity began as Scotty’s Little Soldiers, supporting bereaved military children and young people. Children remain at the heart of the charity, supported through the “Scotty’s Little Soldiers” service, but later in 2026 adults can access help too.
Now known as “Scotty’s”, the charity has begun its transition to support anyone affected by military-connected bereavement, from any branch of the Armed Forces, whether serving or a veteran, and regardless of their relationship to the person who died or the cause of death.
Scotty’s helps children, young people and adults from the British Armed Forces community to have confidence and clarity in navigating their entitlements, the chance to build social connections, the very best mental health and wellbeing support, and outstanding development opportunities.
For over 15 years, Scotty’s has combined lived experience with professional expertise to support thousands of bereaved Forces family members and ensure their needs are recognised. Scotty’s ambition is to empower a community of more than 25,000 bereaved people by 2035.
Thanks to the Veterans’ Foundation, the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and the Army Benevolent Fund for key funding that enables members of Scotty’s to access and benefit from events like this.
