I am the Assistant Director of Development at The Royal Hospital Chelsea (the home of the Chelsea Pensioners). As an army widow, and lifelong champion of military charities, I know that there is a gap to be filled so that those who have given the most in service to the UK feel cared for and connected, not lonely and isolated.

I will be advocating for social, cultural and policy change in recognising the unique challenges faced by the armed forces community. I will be developing research to evidence the need for, and impact of, improvements in armed forces bereavement support, learning from TAPS and the Gold Star Families. I will also be forming key partnerships that help us innovate and advocate for improvements in bereavement support within both the armed forces and civilian world.

The focus of my Fellowship is on improving the lived experience and long-term outcomes of the UK's armed forces bereaved community. I will endeavour to bring the best practice in military bereavement, as demonstrated in the USA and Canada, to the UK by collaborating with those organisations that are leaders in their field.