On Thursday 18th April 2024, Sandhurst Trust facilitated another memorable event at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, hosted by the Combat Stress charity.

This event brought 200 guests to the Academy for a day filled with insight into the rich history of Sandhurst, all in support of Combat Stress's vital work for veterans' mental health.

At the heart of the event was a historical tour led by Sandhurst Trust’s knowledgeable volunteer guides. This tour was the largest tour conducted by the Trust to date, with the 200 guests split into four tour groups. The guides led the groups of guests through the prestige rooms of the iconic Old College and on to the Royal Memorial Chapel. For many, it was a rare opportunity to step in the footsteps of the countless officers who have trained within these historic walls.

Guests walked through halls that have shaped military leaders for generations, each room filled with the history and stories of cadets past. Guests were then met with a serene yet powerful atmosphere in the Royal Military Chapel. This sacred space stands as a tribute to the officers who have fallen in service of their country.

Once the guests had worked up an appetite on the hour and a half tour, the groups moved to the Old College Dining Room where there was a hive of activity and conversation as guests chatted and tucked in to a wonderful buffet lunch, followed by a raffle, silent auction and fundraising games.

It was a day filled with history, food, fun, and a focus on fundraising for an important cause.

Combat Stress raised a considerable £5,000 on the day through the raffle and silent auction. The money raised from the event will go towards helping the charity deliver its specialist mental health treatment and support to veterans across the UK struggling with military-related trauma.

Robert Marsh, Director of Fundraising, said:

We’re extremely grateful to the RMA Commandant and the Sandhurst Trust for making this event possible. It’s a great chance to learn about this world-renowned military academy, while showing your support for those veterans in need. We are 74% dependent on donations, so with your support we can continue being there for veterans across the UK.

Historical group tours of Old College and the Royal Memorial Chapel can be arranged by contacting tours@sandhursttrust.org.

Public tours are conducted once a month with all available dates listed on the Sandhurst Trust website - https://sandhursttrust.org/pages/tours, and are bookable by contacting the above email address.