Charity to be honoured by First Minister

Apr 25 2008 By Sandra Walls

HAMILTON-based charity FEBA will today (Thursda) be honoured for its work by First Minister Alex Salmond at a special reception.

The First Minister (pictured above), along with Defence Secretary Des Browne MP, is hosting a charity reception to recognise the work of FEBA at the Great Hall, Edinburgh Castle.

The event, by special invitation, is for guests who are involved with the charity and its work.

FEBA (Forward Edge of the Battle Area), was set up in June 2006 to help former soldiers, sailors and airmen maintain their fitness and provide help and advice on other Armed Forces-linked issues.

Chairman of FEBA, Tommy Moffat, who won The Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother Caley Scholarship Award of £500 last September from the Royal Caledonian Schools Trust, is delighted to accept the recognition for all the hard work he and his team have put into the charity.

He said this week: “It’s a wonderful feeling to be recognised by the First Minister by hosting the charity reception in our honour, and it’s forward thinking in the support of our veterans and the people involved in the charity.”

Tommy has organised various open days, charity events, appeals and a Highland games-style gathering at Strathclyde Park over the last two years to raise money for his charity.

He added: “FEBA offer support to ex-service men and women to improve their quality of life and well-being, by increasing their knowledge and awareness of the assistance that is available.

“We also aim to improve the physical and mental health of these men and women and reduce the risk of social isolation.

“We do this by organising events such as the West Highland walks, and other fitness challenges.”

Veterans can also take the opportunity to enjoy water sports and gym facilities at the activity centre at Strathclyde Country Park, where they can relax in a warm, safe and comfortable environment.

Tommy added: “In addition we also assist the families of veterans by helping them have more of an understanding of what their families may have experienced.

“FEBA feel offering such services to Scotland’s veterans improves their social skills and eases them back into their social communities.”

According to service user’s feedback, Tommy has established that these services are invaluable and very much needed.

He added: “FEBA receives no government funding and rely solely on the donations that are made to the charity.

“Donations can be made by sending cheques to 20 Hope Street Hamilton, ML3 6AF, made payable to ‘FEBA’ or by debit/credit card by calling 07910 058106.