SSAFA Buckinghamshire goes to Number 10

01 December 2023

One of SSAFA Buckinghamshire’s very own volunteers, Judith McLatchy, attended the Local Veteran’s Champions reception at 10 Downing Street in early September. The event paid tribute to the volunteers who passionately dedicate their time and energy to helping local members of the Armed Forces community and was hosted by Johnny Mercer MP, the government’s Minister of State for Veterans’ Affairs.

Our Branch Secretary nominated Judith to attend the event because “she lets nothing stand in her way to find the best possible outcome for the veterans seeking help in Milton Keynes”, describing her as a star! 

Her previous experience as a nurse working with elderly veterans gave Judith the confidence to volunteer with SSAFA. She says that she “wanted to do something to celebrate” her ex-soldier brother and that her parents were always very proud that two of her siblings were in uniform. Judith is extremely generous with her time and gives back even more to her local Armed Forces community by volunteering with yet another charity, the Night Shelter, in the winter months where she meets many people from a Military background. 

About the reception, Judith says “I met a couple of Gurkhas and a much older gentleman who has done national service, then served in the Territorial Army since then. I’m so pleased I went, it was a lovely event and nice to see No10.”

Although she has now reached the prestigious heights of a trip to 10 Downing Street, Judith remains modest, adding that “people are so grateful for any help it makes you humble”. Her one regret from the event is that she was unable to meet Larry the cat - she’ll have to wait for her next visit to meet the infamous Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office!

Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, the Rt Hon Johnny Mercer MP said: "As Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, I see how lives are transformed by ordinary people doing extraordinary things to support our veterans across the country every day. Their selfless and hard work is something we can all be proud of and pay tribute to. Local organisations and charities are a lifeline for veterans and their families, and the individuals that run them are the embodiment of duty in our communities."