News and events
Read about the great events raising vital funds to help us support veterans from the UK Armed Forces and Emergency Services.
Press releases
2018 Press releases
March 2018: Take time out on Stress Down Day UK (PDF)
January 2018: Ground-breaking exhibition by Scarborough veterans (PDF)
2017 Press releases
November 2017: Stress Down Day leaves veterans up £10,000 (PDF)
October 2017: £20,000 boost for veterans in the North of England (PDF)
July 2017: Scarborough honours 'The Terrific Ten' (PDF)
January 2017: 'Flying Scotman' on the run for UK veterans (PDF)
January 2017: Teenage hard day's night helps veterans (PDF)
January 2017: Sheriff says thanks a latte in Redcar (PDF)
2016 Press releases
April 2016: Hollywood Helps out Veteran Soldiers (PDF)
2015 Press releases and news
March 2015: March 2015 Newsletter (PDF)
On social media - Facebook and Twitter
More information for journalists
Regular events
Gosport: Veterans catch-up and free cake on Wednesdays
Where: Sharpe's Cafe, 68 High Street, Gosport
When: every Wednesday, 11am - noon
Please come along to our veterans coffee group every Wednesday at 11am. All ages welcome! Cake is free, just pay for your coffee or tea. A great opportunity to chat to your fellow veterans. Fancy a game of chess, backgammon or uckers? We've got those too!
Scarborough: Upcycling Furniture Workshop on Thursdays
Where: Meet at Sharpe's Cafe on Queen Street, Scarborough
When: every Thursday, 10am - noon
Veterans, we need your help to upcycle furniture to sell on and raise money. If you can wield a paintbrush or use a screwdriver, please come along! Free teas and coffees plus some fun banter.
Scarborough: Over-60s Veterans get-together on Fridays
Where: Sharpe's Cafe on Queen Street, Scarborough
When: every Friday, 2pm - 4pm
Pop in for a chat with us and fellow veterans. Free teas, coffees and cake available.
Past events
November 2016: Veterans take to the stage in Scarborough
A free 30 minute piece of theatre devised and performed by our veterans took place at Stephen Joseph Theatre on 28 November.
This showpiece was the result of a 10 week course run by the theatre's outreach department. Our veterans have learnt circus skills, stage fighting and drama.
"It has been brilliant. Every session has been brilliant fun.
It has really helped my anxiety and given me such a lift." - P.H. one of our veterans
Autumn 2016: Spreading the word
We're delighted to appear in Irwin Mitchell Solicitor's Focus on Military newsletter (PDF - 8MB). Check us out on pages 10 and 11.
Summer 2016: Sponsored skydive
Redcar local Mick Burdett jumped out of a plane in a tandem skydive above Durham Tees Valley Airport, raising more than £1,000! Thank you Mick.
July 2016: Steely Six take to the seas in Scarborough
On Saturday 16 July, six of our veterans started to paddle from one end of North Bay to the other to raise money and in memory of Dave Sandaver, a veteran who recently passed away. Kayaks and guidance were provided by Dexters Surf Shop. Scarborough RNLI kindly donated their time to provide safety support.
Despite strong currents and head winds, the team did incredibly well and helped prompt a rise in donations. Well done guys!
June 2016: Wiltshire shoot
On Saturday 18 June, shooters pitted themselves against the ever-wily clay pigeon. Individuals and teams had a great day at a shoot in East Kennett near Marlborough. They raised £1085 plus Gift Aid. Thanks to everyone involved, especially Indelible Days for their prize raffle donations and Jamie Forbes for organising the day.
September 2014: Melford's epic UK cycle
Melford cycled from Land's End to John O'Groats and raised over £500 for us. Thank you so much for your wonderful efforts Melford! Find out more at Melford's Just Giving page.
July 2014: Hooves & Grooves Race Night
A great time was had by all at Lingfield Park in an evening of racing and live music. It raised more than £400 to help in our work supporting Veterans.
June 2014: Yorkshire Countrywomen's Association fundraising event
Thank you to the Yorkshire Countrywomen's Association. They raised £400 through this brilliant event involving Bonmarché
May 2014: Ride the BoS (Borough of Scarborough)
A Scarborough's Mayor and Mayoress cycled more than 200 miles for a combination of charities. FirstLight Trust received an amazing amount of £1,300 towards supporting Veterans. Find out more at the Ride the Borough of Scarborough Just Giving page.
Would you like to do a sponsored charity event?
Whether it's raising funds from a cake bake or being sponsored for a marathon, any money you raise will be put to good use. Please download the FirstLight Trust sponsor form (PDF).
We can also feature your event here and on our Twitter account and Facebook page. Just tag @firstlighttrust into your tweet or email details to enquiries@firstlighttrust.co.uk