ABF The Soldiers' Charity

ABF The Soldiers' Charity, formerly the Army Benevolent Fund is a British charity. Since 1944 it has been the British Army's national charity, and provides financial and practical support to soldiers, former soldiers, and their families in times of need, even after they have left the Army.

History
The Soldiers’ Charity was founded in 1944 as The Army Benevolent Fund. The demobilisation of soldiers after the two World Wars had put an enormous strain on Regimental and Corps charitable funds and highlighted the need for a national charity to give practical help to soldiers and veterans. Its first patron was His Majesty King George VI. In January 2010, the charity rebranded as ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and continues to support the Army family by giving grants to individuals and other specialist charities that help soldiers and their families. It works with veterans from every conflict since the Second World War, including those from recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Events
The charity runs key national events as part of its fundraising activities: Cateran Yomp – In partnership with Alliance Trust, the annual Cateran Yomp sees participants trek across the 54 mile Cateran Trail in Blairgowrie, Perthshire. Since the first Yomp in 2010 it has raised over £1,000,000 for the charity.

Big Curry – The national Big Curry month takes place every October where participants are encouraged to hold a Big Curry charity night. Celebrity supporters of the event include Jamie Oliver, Heston Blumental, the Hairy Bikers, Anjum Anad and Rick Stein.

RHS Chelsea Flower Show – Working with designer Charlotte Rowe, the charity created a show garden at the 2014 RHS Chelsea Flower Show. The garden “No Man’s Land” took inspiration from fields of Flanders, and won a Gold Medal at the show.

President
General Sir Mike Jackson GCB CBE DSO DL

Chairman of the Trustees Major General Peter Sheppard CB CBE