The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment Association (West Cumbrian branch) has donated £4,800 to military charities and organisations at an annual presentation in Carlisle.

The funds are generated through fundraising activities during the year and given to charities and organisations helping both serving and retired servicemen and their families who require their help in times of need.

Around 60 members of the association attended the annual award of donations and lunch at the Museum of Military Life at Carlisle Castle, the home of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regimental Museum and its antecedent regiments.

The museum started the day off with a presentation from the retired museum curator Stuart Eastwood about the 1st Battalion, The Border Regiment’s action at the Battle of Arnhem 17-26 September 1944. 

The West Cumbria Branch of The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment Association’s treasurer Bill Dixon presented cheques to: The Duke of Lancaster’s Regimental Charity; The Soldiers, Sailors, and Airman’s Families Association (SSAFA); Blesma, The Limbless Veterans Charity; Combat Stress for Veterans Mental Health; The Museum of Military Life ; The Ladies Section of Workington British Legion; The Sea Cadet Corps; The Army Cadets Force; The Royal Air Force Cadets and Age UK West Cumbria’s ‘Back from Beyond’ military veteran’s project.

 "The West Cumberland Branch of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regimental Association has raised funds since 2015 to present. They have donated nearly £40, 000 to local branches of military charities and cadet forces over this time,"said Bill Dixon. 

"The primary donations have been made to The Duke of Lancaster’s Regimental Charity to support their soldiers, families, and veterans when they are in need.”

There were several guests of honour on the day including Kingsman Jack Plant who received a cheque on behalf of Blesma, The Limbless Veterans Charity.

Jack lost both legs in an improvised explosive device whilst serving with the 1st Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment in Afghanistan.