Special award for local woman raising funds for Armed Forces community

09 December 2025

A Helensburgh volunteer who has raised more than £15,000 to support the Armed Forces community has been recognised for her dedicated service.

Janet Marshall was one of seven volunteers from across Scotland who were celebrated for their support of serving military personnel, veterans, and families at SSAFA’s Regional Recognition Awards.

Having volunteered with SSAFA’s Dunbartonshire Branch for 10 years, Janet has organised a 70s and 80s disco fundraiser in her hometown of Helensburgh for the past three – raising £3,700 at this year’s event alone.

Janet said she was delighted to be recognised, but it’s the support of the local community that make the events such a success.

“The disco fundraiser is so well supported by the local community, business network, and our Armed Forces personnel,” Janet said. “It has grown and grown in popularity over the past three years.

“It’s fantastic to be recognised with a Regional Recognition Award, but ultimately I love organising the disco every year and raising money to help the Armed Forces community. Here’s to many more successful events in the future!”
 
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity exists to reach and embrace members of the Forces family whenever and however they need support, making sure that they never battle alone.

With 17 branches and nearly 200 volunteers in Scotland, the biannual Regional Recognition Awards were established in 2023 to formally acknowledge extra endeavour by SSAFA volunteers, staff and external supporters across its Scottish network.

Walter Gallacher, Convenor of the Scottish Resource Committee at SSAFA, said: 

“Fundraising volunteers like Janet are integral to the success of the work we do at SSAFA, raising awareness and generating vital funds that ensure we can continue to support the Armed Forces community in Scotland.

“Janet should be incredibly proud of her fundraising efforts to date, and we can’t thank her enough for her tireless and much-valued commitment to SSAFA and the people we support.”