Proud to support the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity
Every year, profits from our Show are donated to UK based Military and Arts charities. By buying your Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo ticket, you enable us to continue our support of charities like the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity each year. In our Royal Navy lead year, we are delighted to spotlight some of the incredible work that the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity do to support sailors and marines, both serving and veteran, and their families.
In addition to funding projects and facilities to boost morale of serving personnel, the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity also distribute millions of pounds annually to military charities that care for the children, families and veterans of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.
One such example is Fares4Free, an Edinburgh-based charity that ensures veterans who have no transport are mobile and can make key events and appointments.
99-year-old Arctic Convoy veteran, Jimmy Doherty from Glasgow has been supported by this initiative for many years now. In addition to daily activity, the service has ensured Jimmy’s yearly attendance at the Glasgow Central Station remembrance service. Recently he was guest of honour and unveiled a memorial bench at the Glasgow Central Station War memorial. During the ceremony, which attracted hundreds of people, Jimmy said:
“It is important that we do not forget the sacrifices that people made.”
Arctic Convoy veteran
Jimmy joined the Navy on the cusp of War at just 17 years of age and completed his training during the Second World War whilst in active service. He proudly served in the Second World War alongside his father and brother. The military tradition has continued with Jimmy’s son and grandson both serving. He now takes great pride in hearing stories from his grandson, who is currently serving in the same army unit as his father once did.
When asked about the impact Fares4Free and the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity has had on him over the past few years he said
"John, the Glasgow Fares4Free Outreach Support Driver is one of those guys who has carried me over the last 2 years. Anywhere I wanted to go he has always been there. I can't thank John, Fares4Free and the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity enough".
Arctic Convoy veteran
In addition to local transport, Fares4Free provides trips further afield. Earlier this year, Marie Crombie, the Fares4Free CEO was delighted to give "Operation Pepsi Max", named after Blackpool's iconic rollercoaster, a green light after what had been an extremely tough and arduous few years of post-Covid restrictions for Jimmy.
Under the careful watch of John Symes, a team of support staff and volunteers, Fares4Free took Jimmy, and ex Para Commando, Bill Cobly, 95, down to Blackpool for a week. Trips of this nature have many benefits for the Veterans attending, it allows them to reflect and can spark positive memories from years ago. This visit held particular significance to Jimmy Doherty, who last saw the lights of Blackpool Tower when he set sail during the Second World War.