A COUNTY Durham man who set up a charity to support fellow veterans has been recognised by the Prime Minister for his work.
Tommy Lowther, a former 1st Battalion Light Infantry private who was medically discharged in 2001 with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, set up Sporting Force to help wounded, injured and sick service men and women in 2014.
The charity provides support and training for veterans after their Armed Forces careers are over by securing work experience within the professional sports industry, offering a possible route into civilian employment.
It also runs education, exercise and social events to support mental wellbeing and tackle social isolation.
To date, the charity, which is based in Newton Aycliffe, has helped 7,000 wounded and sick veterans along with their families.
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Mr Lowther, from Butterknowle, near Bishop Auckland, has now been recognised by Boris Johnson as the UK’s 1699th Point of Light.
Mr Lowther said: “Winning this award is a huge honour, I have never helped people in order to gain thank yous in return, so it feels very nice to be nominated by someone without knowing.
“I had my breakdown and know how bad it made me feel and I wanted to help others avoid having to feel what I had.
“This has been an immensely difficult time and a time that I believe we have all dug deep to help one another.
“There is no better feeling than seeing someone grow, morph into their new selves knowing that you have had a part to play in their newfound confidence and happiness.
“I don’t know who nominated me, but I thank you from the bottom of my heart because it makes me believe that what I am doing is right.
“Thank you for the nomination and thank you for choosing me above all other worthy candidates for the point of light winner.”
The daily Points of Light award recognises outstanding individual volunteers - people who are making a change in their community.
Every weekday the Prime Minister recognises an inspirational volunteer with the Daily Point of Light award and yesterday it was Mr Lowther, who along with the charity has won numerous accolades.
Bishop Auckland MP Dehenna Davison said: “I am incredibly proud to see that Tommy Lowther has won the UK’s 1669th Point of Light award.
“Tommy has previously won my Unsung Hero award for his work to help support veterans through his charity Sporting Force, though, I feel this award may slightly trump this.
“It is absolutely fantastic to see Tommy recognised by the Prime Minister for his inspirational charity work to support veterans and I cannot think of anyone that deserves the award more.”
Paul Howell, MP for Sedgefield, added: “Tommy has been encouraging the all-girls team on last weekend’s 3-day event in Lancaster for the UK Challenge supporting Sporting Force based at the Veterans Community Hub, IES Centre in Newton Aycliffe and I wish to add my hearty congratulations to Tommy on winning the Point of Light award and to thank him for being an inspiring example to so many people.”
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