Military Charity volunteer investiture at Windsor Castle

On 10th December 2024, Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Benevolent Fund volunteer Events and Fundraising Manager, Nicola Norville received her MBE from His Majesty King Charles III at Windsor Castle. 

Nicola was honoured in the King’s birthday honours list 2024 for services to Armed Forces Personnel. The citation recognises both her full time clinical position at DMRC Stanford Hall (and formally Headley Court) as Lead Speech and Language Therapist and her volunteering role for DMRC Benevolent Fund.

Nicola has been volunteering with the DMRC Benevolent Fund since 2010 before moving more formally onto the charity committee in 2017. In this time she has helped to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds for the charity. 

DMRC could not be more proud of this individual. Congratulations, Nicola Norville MBE.

Letter from the Chair of Trustees

Building on Strength: DMRC Benevolent Fund Welcomes New Leadership

The Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Benevolent Fund welcomes a new Chair and new Trustees. This marks a chapter of refreshed purpose, partnership and dedication in enhancing the rehabilitation and well-being of serving members of the UK Armed Forces.

We are delighted to introduce Professor Renata Gomes as the new Chair. An internationally recognised leader in biomedical sciences, defence medicine and humanitarian health, Renata brings extensive experience in research innovation, veterans’ health and rehabilitation within complex environments. Her commitment to service and her passion for improving recovery outcomes will guide the charity into its next era of growth and impact.

Joining her on the Board are Hamish Byers and Liam Bradley Atkins. Hamish brings strategic insight from his work in rural property, estate development and renewable energy. Liam adds broad operational and leadership experience paired with a strong dedication to the Armed Forces community. Lieutenant Colonel Tim Clarke, a long-serving Trustee who, alongside the former Chair, led the charity through its transition to CIO(F) status, now steps into the role of Deputy Chair. He brings continuity, deep organisational understanding and steady, experienced leadership.

As we welcome new leadership, we also extend our sincere thanks to Major Matt Perkins and Craig Haslam. Matt concludes his tenure as Chair after nine years, guiding the charity through significant changes to its operations, matching the needs of beneficiaries in peace, conflict, and COVID. His calm leadership and clinical expertise ensured the charity remained resilient and focused on supporting those most in need. Craig, stepping down as Trustee and Deputy Chair, has made a lasting contribution through his operational, training and leadership insight, helping strengthen the charity’s governance and strategic direction.

Reflecting on the legacy she now leads, Professor Renata Gomes said:

“I want to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional leadership shown by Matt Perkins. Matt remained calm, collected and tireless during some of the most demanding periods for military rehabilitation, ensuring the charity was consistently ready to support those most in need. It is truly inspiring to see the outstanding work the charity delivers every day, driven by a highly active, exceptionally high-quality volunteer model. The dedication of these volunteers is extraordinary. It is a privilege to build on such a strong and meaningful legacy.”

DMRC Benevolent Fund continues to be present when it is most needed, standing alongside injured service personnel and enhancing the world-class rehabilitation delivered at DMRC Stanford Hall. DMRC hugely benefits from the additional experiences, equipment and wellbeing initiatives the charity provides that elevate rehabilitation from clinical treatment to a fully holistic recovery experience.

Speaking about the value of this partnership, Group Captain Claire Myhill, DMRC Commanding Officer, said:

“The relationship between DMRC Stanford Hall and DMRC Benevolent Fund is truly synergistic. Together, we create an environment where rehabilitation is strengthened, patient experience is enriched, and recovery outcomes are measurably improved. The charity’s support allows us to deliver holistic, patient-centred care that ensures normalisation in a way which enhances health, wellbeing and independence in an incredibly positive way.”

Looking ahead, the new Deputy Chair, Lieutenant Colonel Tim Clarke, added:

“It is an honour to continue serving DMRC Benevolent Fund in this new capacity. We are building on a strong foundation of dedication and compassion. Our shared focus remains clear: ensuring every individual at DMRC receives the opportunity, support and care they need to thrive in their rehabilitation.”

About DMRC Benevolent Fund

The DMRC Benevolent Fund enhances the rehabilitation experience of serving personnel at DMRC Stanford Hall by funding amenities, activities, equipment and wellbeing initiatives that lie outside statutory provision. This output makes a vital difference to the recovery journey. Together, we continue to help individuals rebuild strength, confidence and independence. If you would like to learn more about our work please email info@dmrcbenfund.org.uk and visit us at https://dmrcbenfund.org.uk/.

We are Helping Those Who Serve Their Country