Scotty’s Council Member Alex marches in memory of Dad
21-year-old Alex Thomas is one of 10 Scotty’s Little Soldiers’ Council Members who are taking on Scotty’s March in memory of their military parent while raising funds for Scotty’s Little Soldiers. Alex’s dad, Major David Michael Thomas, served in the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers and did two tours in Bosnia and Herzegovina before becoming ill with cancer. He died in 2006 when Alex was 4 years old.
75 Scotty’s supporters are set to take part in the fundraising event in Henley-on-Thames on September 23rd. Here, Alex shares why it is so important for him to march for Scotty’s Little Soldiers, the charity for bereaved military children and young people, and how the organisation has supported him since 2014.
Alex Thomas
Remembering my military parent
“My Dad, Major David Michael Thomas, served in the Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers. He did two tours in Bosnia and Herzegovina before being too ill, through cancer. He passed away when I was 4-years-old, on 5th June 2006.
I don't remember a huge amount about my Dad, due to the age I was when he passed, but there are a few memories that stick in my mind, such as a 'bear hunt' picnic at nursery, and a lightsabre battle at Christmas. I still love to hear stories about how he was as a person, and what he did with his life other than the Army. I know he was also a keen historian, and studied and was writing about the Macedonian Empire of Alexander The Great – now I know why I'm called Alexander. I love it.”
Alex with his dad, Major David Thomas
How Scotty’s Little Soldiers has helped me
“Not only has Scotty's been there if I needed someone to reach out too, but they've always reached out to us, which I feel is so important, as it's not always easy as a child or young adult to reach out first.
Scotty's has given me loads of reasons to smile; the Christmas and birthday gifts, the Lodge trips with family, and the Buckingham Palace Garden Party. Having a reason to smile is so important, and Scotty's helps with this so much. Being part of Scotty's has introduced me to multiple children and young adults just like me, which is invaluable.”
What can Scotty Members find difficult following the death of a parent
“Every anniversary, whether it be their birthday, or death date, for me Father's Day is a difficult one too. It's a day for them, which is great as we can celebrate their life, but in all honesty, we would rather we can celebrate a birthday with them, for real.”
Alex with members of Scotty's Council
Why I’m part of The Scotty’s Council
“I signed up for the role as I feel like I'm able to listen and learn constantly. I'm good with people and enjoy conversation, including those uncomfortable ones too. Being a member of the Scotty's Council, specifically Springboarder's Council, gives me as one of the older members a chance to help those younger and more unaware of the help they can get, and the support that is there for them. I feel it's really important to let them know they're not alone. It means a lot to me, having this role, as I also feel like I'm somewhat giving back to Scotty's, who have given so much to me.”
Scotty’s Council is a small group of Scotty’s beneficiaries who provide a voice for bereaved military children and young adults. The council is made up of 12 Scotty Members (aged 11 – 17) who form the Members Council, and 12 Springboarders (aged 18 – 25) who form the Springboard Council - together they form Scotty’s Council.
The council members meet up throughout the year to provide input into the charity, providing ideas and suggestions on the support they feel bereaved military young people will benefit from the most. Our members are the reason we do what we do, so their opinions are vitally important to how we guide the direction of the charity going forward.
Why I'm taking on Scotty’s March
“I'm really looking forward to spending the day with my fellow Scotty's members. However, it's also so important to remember that I also wanted to do this to help raise more awareness and funds for Scotty's.”
Scotty’s March is Scotty’s Little Soldiers only in-person fundraising event of 2023. Participants can take on 10km, 25km or 50km and run, walk or jog the distance to raise funds to support bereaved military children and young people. Charity founder Nikki Scott will be taking part with Scotty’s Council Members, some Scotty Members and families of Scotty Members, and Scotty’s supporters.
Why it’s so important to raise funds for Scotty’s Little Soldiers
“I think it's vital that the charity continues to receive funding, as to ensure that no Bereaved child or young person misses out on the help and support that Scotty's can offer. It's honestly been a massive part of my life, and it could be for others, and I hope that with more awareness (hence the March) the Scotty's message reaches those that do not yet know.”
Alex with Scotty's Council at Sky HQ
My favourite memories as Member of Scotty’s Little Soldiers
“I always look back on the trips to Devon Cliffs and Centre Parcs with fond memories, and of course the Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. However, my favourite memory was a recent trip to Sky Studios with the other Scotty’s Council Members. As a massive football fan, being able to see the Monday Night Football and Soccer Saturday studios were incredible, topped off by achieving an 'unrealistic' dream of kicking a ball as the SoccerAM Arena.”
The Scotty’s Council members also represent Scotty’s externally. Members of the council attended a two-day event at Sky in April 23, where they were given media training to help give them skills and confidence to raise awareness of their charity through media platforms.
Alex at Buckingham Palace
About Scotty’s Little Soldiers
Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a charity dedicated to supporting military children and young people (0 to 25 years) who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces.
Inspired by the experience of Army widow Nikki Scott, following the death of her husband Corporal Lee Scott in Afghanistan in 2009, the charity, which was set up in 2010, provides support and guidance to hundreds of bereaved military children and young people throughout their childhood.
Scotty’s currently supports over 600 members and services offered include access to child bereavement support, guidance to parents and carers, personal education and learning assistance (including grants), and fun activities such as holiday respite breaks and group events. These are all designed to remind the children and young people supported by Scotty’s that they are not alone.
