On 21 June, the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) hosted its major fundraising event of 2024, ‘The Sky’s the Limit Ball’, on board the Royal Navy’s aircraft carrier, HMS Prince of Wales. The evening saw over 500 charity supporters enjoy a spectacular Top Gun-themed event hosted by former Royal Marine turned television presenter, JJ Chalmers.
Taking place in HM Naval Base Portsmouth, the ball was raising vital funds to enable RNRMC, the Royal Navy’s principal charity, to ensure sailors, marines, and their families feel valued and supported, for life.
Guests at the ball were welcomed by the head of the Royal Navy, First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Ben Key along with the RNRMC’s Chair of the Board of Trustees, Dr Brian Gilvary. The evening also included performances by the band Little Red Ambulance, made up of four serving sailors, accompanied by members of the Culdrose Military Wives Choir and followed by headline act the RPJ Band, whose lead singer is the son of legendary Status Quo musician Rick Parfitt.
Host, JJ Chalmers, is known for entertaining the nation as a contestant on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2020, as well as being a prolific television and radio presenter. His connection to the
Armed Forces dates back to his service as a Royal Marine, during which he sustained injuries caused by an IED in 2011 whilst deployed with 42 Commando in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He went on to be a medalist in the Invictus Games in 2014 before leaving the Royal Marines in 2016.
On his role as host for the evening, JJ Chalmers said:
“Ultimately, I wouldn’t be here without the support of the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity and I’m honoured to support it in return.”
First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Ben Key, said:
“The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity is vital in assisting all those in the naval service, whether they serve at sea, in the air, or on land, as well as their families, to whom we remain forever indebted. The funds raised this evening will enable the charity to continue in its mission to ensure that all members of our naval community feel valued and supported for life.”
