Veterans’ Charities Fundraiser
2307. Gina Allsop
Gina Allsop, from Merseyside, spent 12 years serving in the military and has since raised over £250,000 for veterans’ charities.
Gina initially wanted to give back to the ‘Soldiers’, Sailors’ & Airmen’s Families Association (SSAFA)’ charity, following their support through the loss of her brother to cancer. During his illness, Gina had been using cycling to help her mental health, but the day before he passed, she was involved in an accident that destroyed her bike, and ‘SAAFA’ provided funds for a replacement. Gina has undertaken various challenges to fundraise for ‘SSAFA’, and other veterans’ charities, which have included running, cycling or canoeing 50 km for 30 consecutive days, walking 33 km for 33 days, cycling 100 miles on an indoor bike on Christmas Day, and multiple adventure and ultra races across the UK.
This April, Gina will be re-embarking on the ‘Scotland 300’ challenge, having had to finish the challenge at home last year following multiple bone breaks. The challenge involves walking, cycling and kayaking 300 miles solo and unsupported across Scotland, to raise money for ‘SSAFA’, ‘Woodys Lodge’ and ‘AACT UK’.
Gina has also served as an Adult Instructor with the ‘Army Cadet Force’ (ACF) for the last 10 years at ‘Sussex ACF’ and now ‘Cheshire ACF’. She is also an ambassador for veterans’ charities, ‘Woodys Lodge’, ‘Purple Warriors’ and ‘The V Word’ as well as the mental health charity ‘Crawl 4 Help’.
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Rt Hon. Johnny Mercer MP, said:
“Gina’s generosity and determination when faced with extreme adversity is a testament to her strength of character. I am pleased her efforts are rightly being recognised today with this Points of Light award.
“Our third sector partners make a real difference to the lives of veterans, and it is the fundraising of people like Gina who make their work possible.”
Gina said:
“Being told that I have been recognised by the Prime Minister with the Points of Lights Award is a total shock and honour. The charities and organisations I fundraise and volunteer for are a vital part of the veterans community, they save lives and offer assistance to all those that have served our country. I am a small cog in these charities! it’s so humbling to be recognised with this award and I am very proud to be named a Point of Light.”
Find out more about ‘Gina Allsop’