An Iraq War veteran living at a Surbiton care home was a guest of honour at a glittering Soldiering On Awards (SOA) ceremony after winning a prestigous prize.

Stephen Vause of Royal Star & Garter, a care home providing compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia, was the winning recipient of the Soldiering On Awards' Inspiration category in 2021.

The SOA recognises the outstanding achievements of those who have served the United Kingdom and the diverse people and groups who work together in support of the Armed Forces Community. 

Mr Vause was due to attend a gala dinner in December 2021 but the evening was cancelled due to the pandemic.

Gathering last Thursday (October 27), the black-tie dinner brought together the finalists and winners from the 2020 and 2021 Soldiering On Awards, as well as announcing the winners of 2022, at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel.

Army veteran Vause, who suffered traumatic head injuries in a mortar attack while serving in Basra in 2007, won the coveted Inspiration award in a public vote, after raising thousands of pounds for Help for Heroes from his room at Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton, with the support of care staff. 

Stephen Vause with his Soldiering On Award (Image: Royal Star & Garter).

He attended the dinner with his father James and staff from Royal Star & Garter, a charity which provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia. 

The event was hosted by ITV news presenter Lucrezia Millarini and adventurer and former Army reservist Jamie Hull. Guests included House of Lords Deputy Leader and former Defence Minister The Rt Hon. Earl Howe, Minister for Veterans' Affairs Johnny Mercer MP, and Chief of Defence People, Lt Gen James Swift OBE.

Former England football captain David Beckham also provided a video message praising all finalists which was played during the ceremony. 

Afterwards, Mr Vause said: "It was a privilege to be at the Soldiering On Awards. The room was filled with people whose inspiring stories demonstrate huge courage and bravery. It felt amazing to be part of that."

The 35-year-old, whose injuries left him using a wheelchair and communicating using a tablet, undertook a gruelling 60-mile virtual London to Brighton cycle ride at Royal Star & Garter during the second lockdown, in early 2021. 

With the help of Royal Star & Garter staff, he completed the challenge on his adapted static bike in six weeks, raising more than £5,000 for Help for Heroes. 

His Soldiering On Awards success was praised by the then Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who said: "Stephen has shown remarkable courage in dealing with his injuries and great fortitude in raising money for Armed Forces charities. I take my metaphorical hat off to him for his latest fundraising exploit. I am full of admiration for him."

Royal Star & Garter is welcoming new residents to its homes in Surbiton and Solihull and High Wycombe, for more information on this, or to work for the charity, visit their site here.