The Not Forgotten Association’s (NFA), whose story began after World War One, visited the Magic Millions Festival of British Eventing today with 20 veterans and serving men and women. The first charity of its kind, which was founded in 1919, provides recreation, leisure and entertainment to serving personnel and veterans of any age. They support any serving man or woman who is wounded, injured or sick and any veteran with a disability, illness or infirmity; whatever the cause.

The charity provides day and weekend trips to boost morale, enhance wellbeing, restore confidence and improve the chances of the service men or women and their family enjoying a more normal life.

David Cowley, Chairman of the NFA commented, “We want to put some fun back in to the lives of people whose futures have been altered or changed by injury or illness. Each year we help around 10,000 service men and women and their escorts. Some that are still serving, as well as those that are veterans. Ten couples met last night, the majority of whom had never met before, some young and some older and we give them a day filled with fun and laughter.

Kris, one of the NFA guests that attended The Festival commented, “The NAF means normality to me. As a soldier, when you become injured, you do become very isolated. Events like this bring likeminded people together and you feel a part of a group again. The Festival has been an interesting event, especially as I used ride, however, I haven’t been on a horse in three years,” laughs Kris.

Anne McGinley, Assistant to the Head of Events at The Not Forgotten Association said, “The Festival is such a great event and we have been coming here for a number of years now. We make a weekend out of it and it really gives people the chance to get away and do something they wouldn’t normally do. HRH The Princess Royal is Patron to the charity and we are so honoured to have her as involved as she is. We find that these weekends, provide not only the service men and women the chance to get out and experience something new, but it also provides some respite and social interaction for their wives and partners.”

For more information on the Not Forgotten Association please visit https://www.nfassociation.org