RENOWNED war reporter and author Damien Lewis came to Salisbury, where he led an inspiring talk for homeless veterans.
Damien has spent 20 years reporting from war, disaster and conflict zones and he came to the Everyman Cinema last week for a fundraising event for Alabaré in support of its work with homeless and vulnerable veterans.
His captivating talk featured the extraordinary early missions of the SAS during the Second World War and raised £30,000 for the charity.
Damien shared stories from the daring Operation Postmaster, one of the earliest covert operations by the newly formed SAS and included exclusive film clips from the Guy Ritchie film The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.
He said: “Alabaré carry out vital work with the veteran community across Britain, something that is very dear to my heart.
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“As someone who has myself been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), from my days as a war reporter, I understand the challenges all who have served on the front-line face.
“Alabaré endeavours to make the world a better place for all those who have sacrificed a great deal in defence of the freedoms we cherish today. There is no better cause.”
MD Peter Ames of Apsley Engineering was delighted to have the winning bid for a replica set of Paddy Mayne’s medals created especially by Ubique Medals Picture: Alabaré
The event was co-hosted by Handelsbanken and Trethowans and invited guests from across the community.
Guests were also treated to an auction led by John Axford, chairman of Woolley & Wallis and a familiar face from BBC’s Antiques Roadshow.
Items included a bespoke replica of Colonel Blair ‘Paddy’ Mayne’s SAS medals, a bottle of exclusive SAS signature port, and a unique opportunity to name a character in Damien’s next book.
“It was a fantastic evening with a truly inspirational speaker,” said Alabaré CEO Andrew Lord.
“Damien brought to life the incredible bravery of the original SAS and reminded us of the sacrifices made.
His ongoing efforts to secure a posthumous Victoria Cross for Paddy Mayne speak to the enduring impact of those heroes.
“We’re deeply grateful to him, to our co-hosts Handelsbanken and Trethowans who brought invaluable support.”
The funds raised will help Alabaré continue its mission to provide housing, support, and care for veterans across their homes—many of whom face challenges such as mental health issues, PTSD, and homelessness after their military service.
Very well done one and all ,well done Peter Ames for securing the Blair “Paddy ” Mayne Ubique Medals Ltd bespoke medal set.