A day of health, honour and hope: CTM Veterans and Armed Forces Health Event 2025
In a powerful show of unity, veterans, military families, health professionals and community organisations gathered yesterday (Thursday June 26) during #ArmedForcesWeek for a Veterans and Armed Forces health event, hosted in partnership with Valley Veterans and over 40 regional teams or organisations.
This first-of-its-kind event was tailored to meet the identified needs of our Armed Forces community, and aimed to highlight Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board’s (CTM UHB) commitment to building a future where the needs of our veterans are understood and supported.
The event, which included a keynote speech by Peter Vaughan, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Mid Glamorgan, aimed to tackle the real-life challenges our veterans face, and offered practical help and support. Attendees heard from NHS leaders, shared personal stories of their military and health experiences, and were able to connect with over 40 local support services as part of a vibrant health and wellbeing marketplace.
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Attendees also heard from Ben Lukowski, double gold medallist at the 2025 Invictus Games and Trustee of the Charity 65 Degrees North. Ben shared his incredible journey from life-altering injury to sporting excellence. He was joined by George Matthews, former Royal Marine Commando and CEO of 65 Degrees North, who spoke passionately about the Charity’s focus on "rehabilitation through adventure”.
A moving video tribute, I Served, reminded everyone why these conversations matter.
The special day was closed by Colonel David Hammond, Chair of Trustees for Valley Veterans, who also spoke of his mentoring work with young cadets across the region, who are aspiring to be the next generation of our armed forces. Here’s former Welsh army cadet Olivia, highlighting her dream to take up a nursing career in the military.
Special thanks to
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Our *CTM NHS Charity for providing funding in support of today’s event;
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Tesco Talbot Green and Nik Panayi, local manager for Subway stores, who donated raffle prizes for the day
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The Reserve Forces’ & Cadets’ Association (RFCA) for Wales for providing images and video content;
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Valley Veterans for hosting today’s event.
*The Cwm Taf Morgannwg NHS Charity, is the official registered Charity for the Health Board. The CTM NHS Charity is there to support all NHS patients, staff, and communities across Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil, and Rhondda Cynon Taf by funding new health and wellbeing programmes, hospital improvements, and extra equipment and comforts that are over and above what the NHS can provide. The Charity’s aim is to help make NHS care even better for local people and the healthcare staff who support them.
Watch our event highlights here.
Follow the event conversation on social media using #CTMForcesHealth
27/06/2025