From Battlefields to Peaks:

“Following recent high-intensity wars in Iraq and Afghanistan psychological trauma is increasingly underpinning the difficulties that veterans and their families face.” (The Rawthey Project)

The Rawthey Project

We were recently introduced to the work carried out by ‘The Rawthey Project CIC’  through a long-standing client, Brett Parker.

This pioneering charity provides life-changing support to vulnerable Service Veterans, Emergency Service Teams, and their families. It helps them overcome challenges like homelessness, addiction, and psychological distress. Since 2014, they have positively impacted the lives of over 730 individuals. Rawthey works closely in a strategic partnership with Tom Harrison House, a CQC registered, Addiction Rehabilitation Centre situated in Liverpool, which is the only centre of its kind in the country catering specifically for Forces Veterans, Emergency Service personnel and their families.

The Challange

In February 2025, Yeoman Warder Scott Kelly (aka #Beefy409), Allan McCracken, and Ally McIlroy will climb Mount Kilimanjaro. They are beneficiaries of support from The Rawthey Project. This expedition symbolises the overcoming of personal struggle whilst pushing mental and physical limits to help build resilience.

These three courageous veterans are testing their mental and physical stamina to support vulnerable veterans and their families. They aim to raise £60,000 to fund vital programs. This amount could support five veterans through a three-month residential Respite and Recovery course. The program helps them transition to independent living and secure sustainable employment or education. Veterans rapidly change their environment and re-evaluate their situation. They receive support from peers and clinical professionals in a structured, proven framework.

The Impact

Funds raised help fellow veterans struggling with life move out of challenging environments like homelessness and into supported settings. This support gives them a ‘hand-up’ for a fresh start and a better way of life rather than a ‘hand-out.’

Shoplight recently signed the Armed Forces Covenant, committing to treating Armed Forces members, veterans, and their families with fairness and respect. The work of The Rawthey Project and the personal stories of Yeoman Warder Scott Kelly, Allan McCracken, and Ally McIlroy have deeply inspired Shoplight.

Donating £2,000 is one small way that we, as a company, can support the positive impact which the commitment of these three individuals will have on other veterans.

Good luck to the team taking on Mount Kilimanjaro. We look forward to following your journey and celebrating your achievements. To donate to Yeoman Warder Scott Kelly, Allan McCracken, and Ally McIlroy please find their JustGiving pages below.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/beefy409mountkilimanjarochallenge2025

https://www.justgiving.com/page/allan-mccracken-1728030804954

https://www.justgiving.com/page/alison-mcilroy-1729444084938