Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity shone a spotlight on its most dedicated supporters during its recent Southwest Reward and Recognition evening at the China Fleet Country Club.
The event celebrated remarkable individuals and groups in the region whose efforts have significantly advanced the charity’s mission: supporting the Royal Navy and Royal Marines community – for life.
Over 80 people attended, including serving Royal Navy and Royal Marine personnel, volunteers, corporate partners and beneficiary organisations. Surg Capt Jo Keogh OBE RN (Retired) and WO1 Baz Firth MBE were also present to hand out certificates and personally thank our supporters for their exceptional contributions.
Speaking about the event, Dawn Ingram, Director of Fundraising at RNRMC, said:
The evening is about celebrating our supporters in the Southwest - those individuals and groups who dedicate their time, energy, and passion to supporting our sailors, marines, and their families. We wish we could recognise every single supporter, the event highlights just a few and the many different ways people contribute to our cause - from raising essential funds and forging strong community ties, to volunteering their time and expertise. Their commitment makes a real and lasting difference to the lives of those we serve, and we are incredibly grateful for their support.
Recognition certificates were presented in the following categories:
ESS
ESS has been an incredible charity partner to Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, showing unwavering enthusiasm and support over the years.
From their team rolling up their sleeves to help with our volunteering days, taking on daring challenges like abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower to raise vital funds, and supporting the Race Across the UK, ESS truly embody the spirit of partnership.
Babcock
Babcock have long been one of Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity’s biggest and most dedicated corporate supporters. Their commitment to our work and the Naval community we serve is second to none. This year, Babcock have gone above and beyond once again - proudly stepping up as headline sponsors for both Race Across the UK and our Trafalgar Night Dinner.
Newton Abbot Racecourse
This is a new partnership for RNRMC. We were thrilled to be part of the Newton Abbot Race Meeting, with the RNRMC Handicap proudly on the card. Our Southwest Engagement Officer, Amy Reynolds, had the honour of judging Best Turned Out - and the horse she chose, Blackacre, ridden by Adam Wedge and trained by Evan Williams, went on to win the race!
China Fleet Country Club
With the support of Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, the China Fleet Trust provide outstanding leisure and recreational facilities for the Royal Navy community. We are honoured to recognise this long-standing partner and sincerely thank them for their generous support of our Recognition Evening.
CPO Iain Hamblin
Chief Petty Officer Iain Hamblin is recognised for his outstanding fundraising efforts in support of RNRMC and Brian House Children’s Hospice. Thanks to his initiative and the generosity of the community, significant funds were raised through a raffle for a Triumph motorcycle, kindly donated to CPO Hamblin.
Mark Roberts
Took on an extraordinary endurance challenge in August - cycling and hiking from John o’ Groats to Land’s End while summiting Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) as part of his “JOGLE3Peaks” challenge. Completing the journey in memory of his late partner, Claire. Mark demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience.
Justin and Amanda Carney
We recognise the Carney family, who since 2023 have organised annual football events in loving memory of their son, Kyran, raising over £4,000 for RNRMC. Each year’s event is filled with warmth and community spirit, with this year’s match between Kyran’s Legends and Chilli’s Legends capturing the love and dedication behind every detail.
Race Across the UK Teams
Race Across the UK 2025 has been a truly unforgettable adventure. Together, our participants have raised more than £80,000, and with the generous backing of our sponsors, the total event income reached approximately £150,000. This funding will make a real difference to Naval families facing life-changing injuries, mental health challenges, and financial hardship.
Lieutenant Pete Reynolds, Commander Nigel Winstone, Commander Simon Church, and the crew of HMS Triumph have shown exceptional dedication in their fundraising for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity. At the End of T-Class Dinner, which brought together personnel and veterans from all seven boats, Commander Winstone led a charity auction of T-boat prints and gizzets, raising an impressive £936.
Aggies
Kate Thorn is a dedicated Pastoral Worker with Aggie Weston’s at The Haven, HMS Drake. With a background in teaching and community support, she has become a cornerstone of pastoral care within the Naval community. She creates a welcoming space where people feel safe and valued, offering weekly activities and one-to-one support that foster real connection. A passionate advocate for Service Parents and the Bumps and Babies group, Kate gives her time and care wherever it’s needed.
BFF PANTO BUS
We are thrilled to recognise the Panto Bus project, proudly supported by Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, which returns this November and December to bring joy to Naval families with performances of Rapunzel and Jack and the Beanstalk. Now in its 10th anniversary year, the BFF Panto Bus has entertained over 100,000 people since 2014, providing a festive morale boost for families separated by operational deployments.
Royal Navy Field Kitchen
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Royal Navy Field Kitchen, represented by Ben “Westy” and Jonny, for their incredible support. Not only did they serve delicious food to the crowds and generously donate a portion of their proceeds to RNRMC, helping to fund vital support for sailors, marines, and their families, but they also provide invaluable assistance to our Regional Engagement Officer at events.
Queen Alexandra's Royal Naval Nursing Service
The Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service (QARNNS), the nursing branch of the British Royal Navy, works alongside the Royal Navy Medical Branch to provide exceptional care to serving personnel. Supported by Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity through the QARNNS Trust Fund, the Service organises events and wellbeing activities such as Diving with the Injured, which helps military personnel with life-changing injuries rebuild confidence through scuba diving.
Theia
At just twelve years old, Theia has made an exceptional contribution to RNRMC. A service child herself, she truly understands the value of community and brings warmth and enthusiasm to everything she does. Her efforts have helped raise over £1,000 for the charity, and her enthusiasm, kindness, and maturity make her a wonderful example of the next generation giving back to the Service community.
Angus Hogg
We are delighted to recognise Angus, a new volunteer with the Charity, for his exceptional support and dedication from the very start, particularly at the Newton Abbott Race Day. Angus has demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm and commitment, making a significant impact early in his volunteering role.
RNAS Yeovilton, WO1 Jason Walker and CPO Thomas ‘Tiny’ Collins
We are delighted to recognise WO1 Jason Walker and CPO Thomas “Tiny” Collins of RNAS Yeovilton for their outstanding support and dedication in volunteering for Armed Forces Day in Plymouth. Their commitment was especially evident in taking on the mascot roles, bringing joy and engagement to all attendees through their excellent performances.
PO Wesley ‘Wes’ McGuinness
Celebrating Wes’s continued and unfaltering support of RNRMC, Wes is a well-established Power Lifter, representing the Royal Navy and England at the Commonwealth Games, and is spearheading the upcoming Hands Across the Sea event in November.
Lt Cdr Sam Furniss
Lt Cdr Sam Furniss, a Principal Warfare Officer in the Royal Navy, has shown remarkable courage and resilience after sustaining a traumatic brain injury in November 2024. Despite this life-changing event, Sam has been an incredible fundraiser for RNRMC through completing the Plymouth Half Marathon in May 2025 and then representing Team RNRC Hasler in the Race Across the UK. He has also bravely shared his story, volunteering to be front and centre of our Support the Serving pin initiative.
John Whiteman
John was kind enough to share his story as part of our Lotto campaign, which has raised thousands of pounds in 2025.
Dan Fielding
RNRMC funded Dan's first sailing course at Turn to Starboard after he left the Royal Marines. Dan is now the operating officer at T2S and is always willing to share his story of how that initial support helped turn his life around and shape the career he went on to lead. Dan is always willing to support RNRMC, such as at the BT Tower event last year.
WO1 Michael ‘Mike’ Chitty
Over many years, WO1 Mike Chitty has demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment to RNRMC through his outstanding volunteer service. Most recently, during his tenure at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC), he has provided invaluable support by delivering Payroll giving (PRG) briefings to cadets and assisting with a range of charity events.
WO1 Chitty’s efforts have made a tangible and lasting impact. His work has directly contributed to the success of PRG initiatives, helping to raise over £1 million annually — a remarkable achievement that has significantly strengthened the charity’s ability to support serving personnel, veterans, and their families.
As RNRMC continues to broaden its reach and impact, events like these serve as a powerful reminder of the vital role supporters play in ensuring the well-being of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary family.
