Nikki’s November in a Nutshell
As Christmas approaches, Scotty’s Little Soldiers founder, Nikki, shares an update on the events of the past month, including travelling to London for Remembrance Weekend, preparing Scotty’s annual Christmas Party and receiving a very special letter from Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.
Hello!
Last month, 51 bereaved military children and young people put on their black and yellow Scotty’s scarves and joined us in London for BBC One’s Festival and the Remembrance Sunday Cenotaph Parade. Remembrance is such an emotional time for myself and all our bereaved Forces families. Honouring our loved ones at the National Service of Remembrance always brings back a lot of painful memories, but it also makes me feel incredibly proud.
Every single Scotty member has experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces, and seeing them stand side-by-side, honouring their parent alongside Scotty’s was very special indeed. Everywhere we went people were talking to us, paying their respects and asking about the charity. It was a difficult, fantastic, meaningful day and I can’t thank everyone involved enough.
Nikki about to attend the Remembrance Sunday Parade
What did our Members say?
See for yourself! Here are some lovely quotes from our families who attended:
“Thank you everyone at Scotty's for an incredible weekend. It was a huge privilege to be able to walk with everyone today at the Festival of Remembrance. It was our first time experiencing Remembrance with Scotty’s and I can honestly say that everyone really made the experience memorable.”
“Thank you all so, so much for letting us be part of something so special. And thank you to all our fellow Scotty’s Members and parents/carers. It was an honour to walk beside you all today and share in such an emotional but memorable experience at the Royal Albert Hall.”
“Although emotional, this weekend was an experience we will never forget. I wouldn’t have ever done that on my own, but because we did it with Scotty’s we were okay. We had others to share the experience with and were all able to support each other. The Scotty’s Team was so helpful and supportive, which meant my children and I felt safe. Thank you.”
Scotty Members attending the Remembrance Sunday Cenotaph Parade
A special message from Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex
On Remembrance Sunday, every Scotty member also received a very special letter from Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex. Our members know that he truly understands what it’s like to grow up without a parent and it means so much to them to know his thoughts are with them. To receive his letter on Remembrance Sunday gave them a huge boost on a proud but difficult day.
It’s not the first time Prince Harry has supported Scotty’s. In 2019 he dressed up as Santa Claus and filmed a video for our members, which they watched together at Scotty’s annual Christmas party. It was such a great moment and I’ll never forget the look on their faces!
Scotty Members at our 2019 Christmas Party
The Scotty Ball
It never stops at Scotty’s! Since my last blog, we’ve also held our annual charity ball and raised a fabulous £25,400. It was such a special evening full of entertainment, games and of course lots of fundraising! We celebrated the work Scotty’s does, honoured our heroes, highlighted how brave and amazing our Members and Springboarders are and encouraged everyone in the room to join us on our mission to make sure our bereaved British Forces children have the very best support.
Nikki posing for a photo with Billy Billingham and Jason Fox at the Scotty Ball
Scotty’s Christmas Party
We’ve also been very busy this month preparing for our annual Scotty’s Christmas Party. Christmas is such a special time of year, but we are very aware that it can be a difficult and emotional time of year for bereaved young people and their families. We have the party to remind our Members they aren’t alone but also to facilitate the opportunity for them to meet and forge friendships. It’s always incredible to see our Members get together, have fun and bond over their shared experiences. If you want to know how the party went, make sure to read next month’s blog!
Merry Christmas,
Nikki
Nikki wearing her Scotty's Christmas hat