BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) has today announced that the BFBS Big Salute, the annual fundraising campaign spearheaded by BFBS Radio, has raised £22,744 for military charities, following a worldwide fundraising effort that brought together armed forces communities, families, BFBS colleagues, and supporters.
Each year, the Big Salute raises vital funds for military charities supporting serving personnel, veterans, and their families. This year’s campaign was themed Operation Summit, challenging people across the forces world to climb their way towards a mountain of cash.
The fundraiser was open to everyone, and participants could take on a sponsored climb anywhere. From hills and staircases to gym equipment or even a single step, the challenge was designed to make sure everyone could take part and set their own goal.
Friends and family were encouraged to get behind participants with donations, while BFBS radio presenters around the world attempted Operation Summit challenges and shared their experiences across BFBS Radio. From the Falkland Islands to Canada, Germany to Brunei, and Gibraltar to Cyprus, fundraisers included:
- Falkland Islands: The Ultimate Ascent, a 10-hour, camp-wide StairMaster challenge.
- Germany: A Big Salute Bake Sale and a hike to Paderborn’s highest peak.
- Gibraltar: A fundraising run to the top of the Rock of Gibraltar.
- Canada: A local school took on its own summit challenge.
- Brunei: The Garrison gym hosted a fitness challenge and Zumba class for Nepali wives.
- Northern Ireland: Supporters took on Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest mountain.
- Cyprus: Participants walked the equivalent stair distance from Troodos Square to the summit of Mount Olympus.
- Scotland: Edinburgh’s Seven Peaks tackled, starting and finishing at Edinburgh Castle.
- Yorkshire: The Three Yorkshire Peaks were tackled alongside Sally Orange MBE and previous BFBS Big Salute charity beneficiaries.
- Nepal: Kathmandu-based staff and serving members of the British Gurkhas took on a trail through the Kathmandu Valley.
- Yorkshire: Catterick presenter and his son scaled Roseberry Topping together.
The campaign also received support from celebrities including Harry Clarke, Bryan Adams, Clare Balding and Bear Grylls, who helped raise awareness of the Big Salute and encourage support for military charities.
Nicky Ness, Director of Broadcasting and Entertainment at BFBS said:
“The Big Salute is an important part of the BFBS calendar every year, bringing our staff, audiences and the wider forces community together to support military charities doing vital work for serving personnel, veterans and their families. This year, Operation Summit gave everyone the opportunity to get involved, whether they were taking on a mountain, climbing a staircase, or creating a challenge of their own. It has been fantastic to see people around the world joining forces, getting active and raising money for such an important cause. We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took part, donated and helped us climb towards this year’s fundraising total.”
There are more activities to come, and the fundraising continues through until the end of March 2027. Visit bfbs.com/bigsalute for more information.
BFBS currently supports a range of military charities, including: BOWRA Foundation, Forward Assist, Elysium Memorial Foundation, Rees Foundation, Stepway and Rural Veterans Hubs Kirklees.
