02/10/2026
It was a pleasure and honour to host the Veterans' Foundation at Whitefoord House this week to help them launch The Armed Forces Pledge - a simple way to show that veterans' service and sacrifice are seen, valued and remembered.
Representatives from Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR), Vector24, and Housing Options Scotland, as well as Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton stood alongside Veterans Foundation Ambassador Mark Ormrod and Trustee Guy Cartwright, to publicise the new campaign, timed to celebrate the grant-giving charity's 10th anniversary.
Mark was 24 and serving with 40 Commando Royal Marines in Afghanistan when, on Christmas Eve 2007, he knelt on an improvised explosive device, losing both legs and his right arm. Three weeks later, the previously 6ft 2in Royal Marine was told he would never walk again. With the support of his family, the military community and charities, Mark rebuilt his life and went on to become a multiple-medal-winning Invictus Games competitor and build a successful new career.
He said: "People know my story, but there are thousands of veterans whose stories we never hear. For some of us, when the uniform comes off, the battle continues.
“That’s what worries me – the veterans you don’t see. The ones who aren’t in the news or at Invictus, whose families might be quietly trying to hold things together. They served this country and then simply disappeared back into everyday life. Don’t forget about them.”
People across Britain can add their name to The Armed Forces Pledge and leave a message of support, creating Britain’s biggest thank you to the more than 1.8 million veterans living in the UK today. You can do so here: https://veteransfoundationpledge.nationbuilder.com/
