HMS Prince of Wales helps launch national fundraising drive to help UK veterans

Britain’s biggest warship has given her backing to a national fitness and fundraising drive to help the UK’s veteran community.

Aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales – declared fully operational just last week – provided the setting for the launch of the Royal British Legion Industries’ ‘Tommy 10K’ campaign.

The initiative, now in its second year, aims to raise money for the armed forces community by encouraging people of all abilities to walk, run or wheel 10 kilometres.
Tommy 10K was born in the middle of the pandemic, raising an impressive £250,000 to support the charity’s work with veterans.

Related to but separate from the more familiar Royal British Legion, Royal British Legion Industries are focused on providing employment, accommodation and welfare facilities to veterans and people with disabilities through a variety of programmes, including their own accommodation village.

WO2 Duncan Thornhill, HMS Prince of Wales’ Warrant Officer Caterer, supported last year’s Tommy 10K and thought the ship would make the perfect backdrop for the 2021 launch event. He’s signed up over 40 members of the ship’s company in support:

“Last year during the pandemic I got into running and needed something to keep me motivated through the autumn-winter months,” Duncan explained.

“I saw the advertisement on Facebook for the RBLI Tommy 10K and thought that it was perfect. In joining their Facebook group, I discovered a fantastic community made up of totally different people from all over the UK, with the same aim - to raise as much as we could. The support and encouragement from the group was great and it's a privilege to be a part off. When we managed to raise £250k, it was the icing on the cake.”

His Commanding Officer, Captain Steve Higham, added: “It’s fabulous to the host the Royal British Legion Industries’ Tommy 10K. Fitness is a key part of being in the RN, combined with raising money for veterans, the Tommy 10K offers the perfect opportunity to get out there and do something good for both personal health and the armed forces community.”