The Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA) is proud to announce that its staff have been recognised at the English Veterans Awards 2025.
Helen Hurst, VCHA Projects Officer, has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Military Charity Fundraiser of the Year Award, sponsored by Forces Support Ltd. Her nomination highlights her tireless efforts to raise funds for military charities and her leadership in embedding “Veteran Aware” standards across Independent Healthcare Providers and Hospices in England, ensuring members of the Armed Forces community receive inclusive and compassionate care.
Commenting on her nomination, Helen said: “I feel incredibly privileged to be nominated and shortlisted as a finalist. It truly means a great deal to be recognised in this way, and it helps to raise awareness of the Armed Forces Community, which is so important.“
Helen participating in one of her more recent fundraising activities.
In addition, Sisters In Service, an organisation co-founded by Gemma Saunders, National Armed Forces Healthcare Training and Education Programme Clinical Lead and Regional Trainer (Midlands) has been shortlisted for the Health & Well-being Award, sponsored by Company X Consulting. Sisters in Service is a safe and supportive network for female veterans of the UK Armed Forces – whether Regular or Reserve – who are currently working in healthcare. This includes service leavers moving into civilian healthcare, and students.
Gemma said: “I’m delighted that Sisters In Service has been recognised. It’s a huge honour to be included in this category with so many fantastic organisations who go above and beyond for our Armed Forces community”.
Gemma (left) with Dr Bex Bennett (middle), Sisters In Service Co-Founder and Director, and Melanie Dyke (right), Director.
The English Veterans Awards celebrates the achievements of veterans, reservists, individuals, and organisations that support the Armed Forces community, recognising excellence in business, fitness, sport, wellbeing, and wider community impact.
The English Veterans Awards 2025, supported by the Army Benevolent Fund and The Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity, will take place on 2 October 2025 at the De Vere Cotswolds Water Park.
