MORE than 250 people from across Portsmouth and beyond gathered at HMS Temeraire over the weekend for a special event celebrating military children.
Little Troopers, a charity supporting children with parents serving in the British Armed Forces, hosted a family fun run and activity day in Portsmouth to mark April Month of the Military Child.
April is officially recognised as the Month of the Military Child, celebrating the unique experiences of children growing up in Armed Forces families. To mark the occasion, Little Troopers organised two fun runs alongside a family fun day.
The event featured two races on the running track: a 1km Dandelion Toddle and a 3km Dandelion Dash. The dandelion is the official flower of the military child, symbolising resilience and the ability to ‘put down roots’ wherever they go.
Around 150 children, aged from 18 months to 15 years, took part in the runs at HMS Temeraire Stadium running track.
A number of Chelsea Pensioners were in attendance to start each race, continuing Little Troopers’ work with The Royal Hospital Chelsea through intergenerational initiatives.
All run participants received a medal, with prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each race.
Alongside the races, families enjoyed a wide range of activities including circus skills, mini golf, games, Punch and Judy, BFBS Operation ice cream van, live music from the Horndean Band, face painting and balloon modelling.
Louise Fetigan MBE, founder of Little Troopers, said:
“We were so excited to be in Portsmouth and to see so many military families join us for our fun runs. April is the Month of the Military Child, an international celebration that recognises the important role children play in the Armed Forces community.
“We have lots going on all year round, but in April we shout a little bit louder about how amazing military children really are. It’s a special month and a great opportunity to start conversations about the unique challenges they face and why they deserve support.
“Little Troopers gives a real sense of belonging to military children. Even though everything around them can change, the charity provides continuity. We want every military child to know how special they are.”
One family attending the event said:
“This is the first time we’ve attended, and it was brilliant! Thank you to all the organisers and volunteers for making the day so amazing.”
The event, which takes place annually, moves location each year to reach different military communities.
For the remainder of April, the charity has more activities planned.
Little Troopers is the only UK tri-service charity dedicated to supporting children with parents currently serving in the British Armed Forces, both regular and reserve.
There are more than 100,000 British Armed Forces children. Many face unique challenges, including frequent school and house moves, as well as regular separation from a parent due to deployments and training.
Founded in 2011, Little Troopers provides support through a range of programmes and initiatives, including a dedicated schools programme, family reconnection weekends, a monthly awards scheme, deployment support packs and a teen podcast.
For more information, please visit: www.littletroopers.net.
