UK: Money Rolls in for Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity

The former First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band, President of the RNRMC, accepted cheques for the sum of £5291, from HMS Raleigh’s Submarine School, the Defence Maritime Logistics School, HMS Talent and 824 Naval Air Squadron.

During the presentation the charity’s Chief Executive Robert Robson told the assembled guests how 2011 had been another year of exciting growth and development for the charity.

He said:

“Over the course of just 12 months we added a major new member to the RNRMC Group, we developed important new partnerships, we increased the amount of supporters we have and we gave out more to help our beneficiaries than ever before.”

Mr Robson also told the audience that it had been a fantastic year on the fundraising front. The Royal Navy’s Payroll Giving Scheme has received an award as one of the best schemes. Over 10,000 serving personnel have now signed up, many of them at the start of their Royal Navy careers thanks to the induction they receive at HMS Raleigh on the role of the RNRMC.

Money continues to be raised by the Service personnel themselves.

Mr Robson said:

“Without this we cannot do what we are here to do and all we say is, please keep it up.”

The RNRMC was established by the Navy Board in 2007 to provide a single focus for charities that support Naval Service personnel. The charity exists to provide a better quality of life for serving and former Naval Service personnel. This includes the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Maritime Reserves, QARNNS (Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service), and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and former members of the Women’s Royal Naval Service.

In 2011 the charity gave grants of £6,195k to help improve amenities for Service personnel and sports opportunities; the funding for prizes and awards; benevolence to support personnel in the later stages of their lives or those with specific issues and a charitable payment to the dependants of Service personnel who have lost their lives.

HMS Raleigh was among the beneficiaries. The RNRMC provided a grant to fund the new climbing wall, which was opened in the gym at the beginning of the year, and also made a donation towards the renovation of a disused accommodation block, which has been transformed to provide dedicated facilities for visiting sports teams. In return the establishment regularly raises money for the charity.

This was the first time the RNRMC have held their annual presentation in the South West and during their time at HMS Raleigh the trustees also took the time to take a look around the establishment and meet with staff and trainees.

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Naval Today Staff, July 26, 2012; Image: Royal Navy