On Thursday 8 May, Combat Stress hosted its annual ‘Charity Dinner’ in aid of veterans’ mental health. Held at Raffles, London, at the iconic and historic former Old War Office, the event saw 444 guests in attendance.
Charity Donner for Combat Stress. OWO Raffles Hotel. Whitehall. London UK. 8 May 2025
Photo by Zute Lightfoot of behalf of Combat Stress
The event raised a staggering £230,000 to help the charity deliver its life-changing specialist mental health services.
With long-term supporter, and BBC Radio 4 Presenter, Paddy O’ Connell as master of ceremonies, the event commenced with an interview with 105-year-old Christian Lamb, one of the last surviving Wren Officers to have served throughout the Second World War. Christian recounted her experiences of living in Blitz ravaged London, to the important Radar and Operations rooms and how she personally undertook a vital role in the success of D-Day.
Later in the evening, veteran turned TV Auctioneer, Angus Ashworth, took to the stage to run the Live Auction, as guests bid on prizes including a tour of Highgrove for eight people with an afternoon tea, personally donated by Combat Stress’ patron King Charles III, and an original D-day map signed by Christian Lamb.
The event culminated with a showing of the charity’s new short film, in which Army veteran Kevin (who also spoke to those in attendance) bravely shared how his experiences as a combat medic in Afghanistan led to him developing PTSD, which threatened to destroy his life until our specialist mental health treatment changed everything for him. You can watch the film here: The Road to Recovery: One Soldier’s PTSD Journey.
Robert Marsh, Director of Fundraising at Combat Stress, said:
“The event was a fitting opportunity, falling on the 80th anniversary of VE Day, to reflect upon the profound sacrifice our Armed Forces have made, and continued to make, for us.
“In the 80 years since VE Day, we’ve supported thousands of former serving personnel who’ve experienced military trauma, helping them to tackle their past and take on the future. Today, with demand continuing to grow, it is heart-warming to see our supporters remain steadfast in their generosity, selflessness and care. We are forever grateful.”
A huge thank you to Headline Sponsor L3Harris, Reception Sponsors Corps Security and Brit Insurance and Auction Sponsor Giftpoint, for making the event possible.
