Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) is participating in this year’s Big Give Christmas Challenge, giving supporters the chance to double the impact of their donations for one week only.
From 12pm on 2 December to 12pm on 9 December, all donations made through the campaign will be matched until we reach our £60,000 target, helping raise vital funds for Naval families facing the devastating loss of a loved one.
This year, RNRMC is sharing the story of Claire, whose husband Jim served as a submariner in the Royal Navy for over 20 years. In 2020, while Claire was sending Jim a text, there was a knock at the door—one every Naval family fears; news that would change everything:
Jim had died.
“The moment I was told that Jim had died is etched in my memory forever,” Claire said. “The grief and the sudden uncertainty were overwhelming. On top of the emotional pain, there were decisions to make, an inquest, a funeral—everything felt too much. Nothing about our life felt safe anymore.”
In the midst of that shock and disarray, RNRMC stepped in. Through its Death in Service Grant, automatically provided to the next of kin of any member of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines or Royal Fleet Auxiliary who dies in service, the charity ensured that Claire and her children, Georgia and Fraser, received immediate financial support.
“RNRMC gave us the breathing space we desperately needed,” Claire added. “It meant we could focus on our grief and on supporting the children, rather than worrying about the immediate financial strain.”
By supporting the Big Give Christmas Challenge, donors will help ensure that families like Claire’s never face those first unimaginable days alone.
To learn more or to donate during the campaign window, please visit:
www.rnrmc.org.uk/appeal/big-give
