Raising Millions for Cadets

86. Philip Neame

Philip came up with the idea for Ulysses Trust back in 1992 when he attempted to achieve the first British winter ascent of Mount Everest with a group of Territorial Army reservists. Within a year, the project had inspired Philip to set up the Trust with a mission to provide encouragement, advice and financial support for challenging expeditions planned and undertaken by Volunteer Reserve and Cadet Forces in the UK. 

Since then Philip has been a driving force behind the Trust and his devotion, dedication and perseverance has made the charity possible. Aged 68, Philip continues to volunteer as a trustee and he personally ran 10k last month to raise funds for more projects.

The Ulysses Trust is more popular than ever. In 2014, 79 expeditions have already been approved for support involving 1,330 adults and cadets. The growing number of applications for grants highlights the importance of providing reservists and cadets with opportunities to expand their skills. The experiences inspire young people to achieve amazing things if they put their minds to it.

Prime Minister David Cameron said:

“Philip has been instrumental in supporting thousands of reservists and cadets to take up a challenge and be inspired. His dedication and enthusiasm to give something back to the remarkable individuals who serve our country has helped to secure £2 million of grants – an incredible amount – and I am delighted to name him the 86th Point of Light.”

Philip Neame said:

“I feel very privileged to receive this award from the Prime Minister, but primarily on behalf of all those others who have supported the Ulysses Trust over 22 years, either as fellow volunteers or financially. We can only continue with their on-going help, and we firmly believe that what we do provides two bangs per buck – it adds another dimension to two proven organisations of real value to our society, but also enables many young people to engage in opportunities for their personal development which might otherwise be beyond their financial reach. For some, these opportunities can be simply life-changing.”

Local MP James Gray said:

“I can think of no worthier a recipient of the Prime Minister’s Point of Light Award than Lieut Colonel Philip Neame. Cadets and reservists can learn more about themselves, about the natural environment and about each other when they are on a challenging expedition than in almost any other way. The charity founded by Colonel Neame has allowed 20,000 cadets and reservists to undertake 1800 such expeditions. He has raised over £2 million to fund them, and by that action has made an enormous contribution to the fitness, and capabilities of our reservists and cadets. The Ulysses Trust helps young people to achieve things they could not otherwise have imagined, and it is right that Colonel Neame should be saluted for that achievement.”