‘It becomes a way of life’: SSAFA volunteer Mark honoured for decades of service 

14 August 2026

SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity has recognised Mark Macarte, treasurer of the Cumbria branch, with the Sir James Gildea Global Volunteer Award for his passion, dedication, and commitment to the charity.

Presented at the Victory Services Club during SSAFA’s Annual General Meeting, the awards recognise exceptional contributions to SSAFA’s activities and values. This year’s presentations had a special connection to SSAFA’s history: they were made by two of Sir James’s descendants, Edward Gildea and David Santa-Olalla DSO MC. Edward is, among many other things, a retired headteacher, and David is the Regional Chair of SSAFA London.

Mark, originally from London, joined the Royal Navy in 1973 but was invalided out in 1982 when he began wearing glasses. His final sea role was as a frigate navigator. In 1987, Mark joined the Royal Air Force and was posted to Carlisle in 1988 and aside from six years posted away, has lived there ever since. He retired from the RAF in 1996.

His hobbies span two quite distinct interests: flying light aircraft and playing the flute, though as Mark is at pains to point out “… not at the same time.”

His love of flying began when he was at Dartmouth where he amassed 65 hours on the venerable de Havilland Chipmunk.

Life and family put his interest in flying on hold until 2013 when he obtained his private pilot’s licence, and he now flies light aircraft from Carlisle Airport. The flying flautist plays in a local orchestra.

Mark was still in the RAF when he first volunteered for SSAFA in 1988, beginning as a caseworker. He then took on responsibility for the accounts for a large and successful summer cocktail party held annually by the Cumbria branch from 1999. He became branch treasurer in December 2003 after the sad death of the previous postholder.

“It was initially going to be a temporary appointment until a permanent replacement could be found. Little did I realise then that I would still be in this ‘temporary’ post nearly 23 years later...” said Mark.

In his citation for the award, Mark was praised for his strong team ethic, meticulous care, professionalism, and sense of duty.

The citation reads: “Mark’s reliability and steady leadership have been a cornerstone of the branch’s resilience, particularly during challenging periods, where he has been instrumental in its survival and subsequent regeneration.”

Mark continues: “I believe that it’s essential to give a professional service. As the saying goes, if it is worth doing it is worth doing properly. I’ve been very fortunate to be in a position where I can do this and play a small part in the organisation to support the wonderful work SSAFA does generally, the branch, our volunteers, and our clients.

“I’m immensely honoured to have been given this award. I feel that I represent all those volunteers who work behind the scenes to make our support for the whole Armed Forces community – serving personnel and veterans, and their families – run smoothly.”

He suggests that anyone considering volunteering should: “…take the plunge. It’s very fulfilling to give something back and, without realising, it becomes a way of life.”

All at SSAFA send Mark their heartfelt congratulations on receiving the Sir James Gildea Global Award.