Barnsley volunteer honoured after 40 years supporting Armed Forces families with SSAFA

29 April 2026

A dedicated Barnsley volunteer who has spent four decades supporting the Armed Forces community has been formally presented with one of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity’s highest honours.

David Brown, 81, received the prestigious Sir James Gildea Award in recognition of his remarkable 40 years’ service as Divisional Treasurer of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity’s South Yorkshire (Barnsley) branch.

Although the award was officially granted in 2024, David only recently had the opportunity to attend the branch’s Annual General Meeting on Thursday 23 April 2026 to receive his framed certificate in person — a reflection of his continued busy involvement in both SSAFA and the wider community.

David’s connection with SSAFA began after a career that included service in the Merchant Navy followed by 41 years working in banking, in retail as well as corporate business (agriculture). While working HSBC Bank, he was approached by a local SSAFA volunteer who encouraged him to consider supporting the charity as treasurer — a role he accepted and has continued ever since.

Over the following four decades, David has played a vital role in helping the branch support serving personnel, veterans and their families across South Yorkshire.

Despite receiving recognition for his long service, David remains actively involved with the charity today.

David said: “It has been a real privilege to support SSAFA over the years. The charity does such important work for the Armed Forces community and I’m very proud to have played a part in that.”

George Kilburn, Chair of SSAFA’s South Yorkshire branch, said: “David has been an outstanding Treasurer and a hugely valued member of the branch for many years. His dedication, reliability and commitment have helped ensure we can continue supporting local Armed Forces families when they need us most. We are incredibly grateful for everything he has done — and continues to do — for SSAFA.”

The Sir James Gildea Award is named after SSAFA’s founder and recognises exceptional long-term voluntary service to the charity.