SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, recently honoured Clive Matthews, caseworker volunteer, South East region, with the Sir James Gildea Global Award for his outstanding commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community over the past 20 years.
©SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity by Sam Howson of Mascot Films.
SSAFA’s Sir James Gildea Awards were created to recognise the staff – voluntary and paid – for their exceptional contributions and commitment to SSAFA’s mission and values. The awards were presented at SSAFA’s Annual Members’ Meeting in London at the Victory Services Club on July 10 by Kirsty Bushell, one of SSAFA’s Vice Presidents.
Clive, 76, joined the Royal Navy in 1963 at the age of 15 and trained at HMS Ganges, later serving around the world in ships including HMS Brighton, HMS Bulwark, HMS Ajax and HMS Sirius. During the Indonesian Confrontation in the mid 60s, he served in Singapore aboard ships of the Far East Fleet and earned the General Service Medal (Malay Peninsula) and in 2022 was also awarded the Pingat Jasa Malaysia medal by the Malaysian Government in recognition of his contribution to defending Malaysia during the troubles. He left the Navy as a Leading Radio Operator (LRO).
After leaving the Royal Navy, Clive went on to build a successful civilian career in the City of London, providing telecommunications staffing to major institutions including Legal & General, Standard Chartered Bank, and 10 Downing Street. In 2003, he was awarded the Freedom of the City of London.
He began volunteering with SSAFA in 2004 after seeing an advert during his recovery from spinal surgery. What started as a way to keep busy during retirement has since become a lifelong mission to give back to the Armed Forces community. Over two decades, Clive has supported a wide range of clients and now works closely with the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society in Banstead, Surrey, helping former naval personnel access essential care and funding.
Clive lives in Kingswood, Surrey, with his wife of 40 years, Lynn. They have two grown-up children, Richard and Katie, and four grandchildren. When he’s not volunteering, Clive enjoys golf, gardening, growing vegetables and indulging in the odd glass of Merlot or Malbec.
Speaking about the award, Clive said:
“I’m delighted and humbled to receive the Sir James Gildea Award. Volunteering with SSAFA has given me a real sense of purpose and connection. It’s an honour to help those who’ve served – and to be recognised in this way means a great deal.”
All at SSAFA send Clive their heartfelt congratulations on receiving the Sir James Gildea Global Award.
SSAFA volunteers have been helping the Armed Forces community – regulars and reserves, serving or retired, and their families since 1885. To volunteer or fundraise for SSAFA, or to seek support, search for “SSAFA near me”.
