Good causes receive boost from Sultan charity chest

Thousands of pounds were given away recently to Service and local charities and good causes at a special reception at HMS Sultan.

A total of 27 recipients were presented with donations from a Charity Chest of £14,500 raised at Establishment events, by Captain Peter Towell, the Commanding Officer of HMS Sultan.

Donations were made to a wide spectrum of beneficiaries, ranging from The Mayor of Gosport’s Charity Appeal and youth organisations including scout groups and cadet units, right through to charities aimed specifically at supporting the infirmed or elderly.

In addition, Service charities including, The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, Aggie Weston’s and the annual HMS Sultan Summer Camp for Blind Veterans UK were also among those to benefit.

Solent Junior Devils Ice Hockey Club received £500. Sponsorship CoordinatorShane Draper said: “We are a self-funded club for children from under 9 through to 18, with a lot of children from forces families.”

“The donation from Sultan is fantastic and means that we can afford some new kit and also get some cross ice bumpers so we can have more than one game going at a time. It’s wonderful to be given the donation. We don’t get access to a lot of the funding that other sports do and we are just so grateful”

Veterans Outreach Support (VOS), who provides mental health and welfare support to both Service veterans and direct family members from across the Armed Forces including the Merchant Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary received £250.

Volunteer Manager Alison Gott said: “We run a Drop-In once a month for veterans to come along and register for our services which include mental health and welfare support through our team of clinicians and signposting to around 30 different Delivery Partners.”

“Although based in the Royal Maritime Club in Portsmouth, we have a large number of Service Users who travel from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. This donation will help towards reaching out into the Gosport and Fareham peninsular.”

Captain Towell said: “It’s a real pleasure to be able to support so many of our Service charities and local friends within the community.”

“Amazing things are being achieved by so many organisations, and while we are not able to support each and every one, we are delighted to be able to highlight just a few of the many worthy causes.”

“We are so grateful for the special relationship that we share with them and the people of Gosport.”

HMS Sultan’s next big community event is the HMS Sultan Summer Show 2018, which takes place over Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th June. With Monster Trucks, motorbike stunts, a fun fair, craft and steam fairs, a substantial free fun and games arena and more, the Show promises the perfect attraction for Father’s Day weekend.

For further Information please visit: www.royalnavy.mod.uk/sultan-show.

List of Recipients: