A VETERAN has been thanked for his 'tireless support' after he raised more than £5,000 for an armed forces charity.

Simon O’Brien, known as OB to his friends, raised £5,400 for the Soldiers', Sailors', Airmen and Families Association last year. 

The 58-year-old recently met SSAFA’s corporate partnerships manager, Sam Nowell, at the charity’s 13 Bridges event in London.

Simon presented Sam with a cheque for the money he had raised.

Sam said: “The kind of dedication to SSAFA, and its beneficiaries, that OB demonstrates is quite humbling, and it’s because of his tireless support – and that of so many other individuals and groups, and corporate partners like Boeing – that we can continue to provide the support that veterans, serving personnel, and their families need and provide it how, when, and where they need it just as SSAFA has done for 137 years.”

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Simon raised the money through an array of fundraisers, including with his employer Boeing, which is one of SSAFA’s vital corporate partners and provides support through the Boeing Emergency Fund.

Simon lives in Hook following his 34-year career in the RAF where he worked as aircrew on a Chinook, Puma and other military helicopters, eventually rising to the rank of squadron leader.

He currently serves as the senior manager at Boeing’s base in Fleet.

Simon said: “With many years of military service behind me, I’ve seen the outstanding support that SSAFA provides to my tri-service colleagues, I felt it was time to give something back and to do my bit.

“I’ve received support from SSAFA myself and know only too well how much I valued their help.

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“Boeing recognises the huge support network that SSAFA provides to our serving, reserve or veteran community and have been with me every step of the way.

“They have been pivotal in enabling me to fulfil my role as a SSAFA fundraiser and successful transition from military to civilian employment.”

Simon will continue his fundraising efforts in 2022.

To donate or find out more about the SSAFA, visit their website ssafa.org.uk.

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