Tickets For Troops has donated TWO MILLION tickets to Armed Forces since launch – as charity hailed for ‘fantastic’ feat
TICKETS For Troops has donated two million tickets to Armed Forces since its launch - with the charity hailed for its 'fantastic' feat.
The military charity has announced its milestone achievement marking how many sport, arts and entertainment tickets they've donated to Armed Forces personnel.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's wife Akshata Murty, new Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron and the BBC's Match Of The Day presenter Gary Lineker are among those offering praise.
Hero soldier and Victoria Cross recipient Johnson Beharry has also welcomed the success of the initiative launched in 2009.
Tickets handed out have been for showcases including the London 2012 Olympics, the Rugby World Cup hosted by England three years later and overseas events such as the Bahrain F1 Grand Prix.
Ukrainian sailors being trained in the UK following Russia's invasion of their country last year have also been beneficiaries.
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Those offering tickets include Premier League clubs such as Chelsea, among the charity’s first supporters - as well as horse racing, tennis and rugby venues.
Troops and representatives of the charity have been invited to 10 Downing Street, where the PM's wife hosted a reception.
She told those attending: ";Over 2million tickets is absolutely fantastic - it’s incredible what you have been doing and achieved."
Among those backing the charity and among the guests was Garrison Sergeant Andrew Stokes, who has run two London Marathons to raise money.
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He was also in charge of organising ceremonies for the late Queen's funeral and the King's coronation.
He described Tickets For Troops as "an incredible, effective and small charity that makes a huge difference to service personnel, giving them opportunities they wouldn’t normally have".
He added: "They punch above their weight in every way - thank you for what you do."
Tickets For Troops founder and chair Lord Marland said the 2million milestone was one they "never thought we would pass".
We all needed to do more to show thanks and respect to those who serve in our armed forces
Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron
Cameron Mackintosh and Andrew Lloyd Webber theatres have also been involved, as well as pop music stars Sir Rod Stewart, Sir Elton John and Robbie Williams.
Lord Cameron hosted Tickets For Troops events when he was Prime Minister before resigning in 2016 - and his wife Samantha is a former patron of the charity.
The ex-Conservative Party leader, restored to the Cabinet earlier this month, said: "I am so proud to have played a small part in bringing this extraordinary organisation into being.
";Above all, a massive congratulations to those who have turned it into such a force for good.
"The original idea was that we all needed to do more to show thanks and respect to those who serve in our armed forces - and that's as true today as ever."
Former Tottenham Hotspur and England footballer Lineker also supported the charity's launch 14 years ago this month.
He has now said: "Many congratulations to Tickets For Troops.
"This started out as a very simple and small-scale initiative and has grown and flourished into something which has made a real and meaningful difference to those serving in our fantastic Armed Forces.
"I am so proud to be associated with such a fantastic charity."
Warrant Officer Johnson Beharry was awarded the Victoria Cross for outstanding bravery and risking his life to save his crew in Iraq in 2004.
He also backed the launch of the organisation at London's O2 Arena.
He said: "I am very proud to have been involved from the start with this wonderful charity.
"There are many, many charities in the military sector but Tickets For Troops has a real impact on soldiers and their families - I salute all those involved."
'DEMONSTRATING THE NATION'S GRATITUDE'
And ex-Chief of the Defence Staff General Nick Houghton, now Lord Houghton, said: "Tickets For Troops has just passed an amazing milestone.
"This represents 2million thank yous to the world of sport, music and the performing arts from the members of our country's Armed Forces.
"Lots of charities give wonderful support to those Armed Forces, particularly to our veterans and those that are facing tough times.
"But Tickets for Troops is not about welfare - it's about recognising service and demonstrating the nation's gratitude.
"And it's hugely appreciated by servicemen and women."
A spokesperson for the FA, which has donated thousands of tickets for England matches at all levels, said: "We are very proud of our long-standing partnership with Tickets For Troops.
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"We are very grateful to the military community for their significant support to our teams and competitions.
"We congratulate them on reaching this significant milestone."
