From
The Sun:
The Armed Forces’ bravest heroes were honoured at the first Sun Military Awards last night.
Prince Charles called them the “best of the best” at The Millies ceremony.
The Prince, wife Camilla and a host of celebrities gathered at Hampton Court Palace to salute the winners and hand out the gongs.
The top award went to a fearless group of Paras — and an equally fearless grieving mum.
“But please let us not forget that as I speak many members of our Armed Forces are far away from their families, working in austere, challenging and often dangerous environments."
“It is right that we have them at the forefront of our minds this evening and I offer my personal thanks and gratitude to them all.”
In a deeply moving climax to the ceremony, the royal pair presented the Judges’ Award for Special Recognition.
The joint winners were Army mum Christine Bonner, whose son Cpl Darren, 31, was killed in Afghanistan, and 600 members of 2 Para who defied appalling losses to continue their mission on a bloody six-month-long Helmand mission.
Ignoring usual royal protocol, Camilla hugged weeping Christine, 52, as she honoured her for raising thousands for Army charities and starting a heartbroken mums’ support network.
Led by 24-year-old triple amputee L/Cpl Tom Neathway, 23, the paratroopers took to the stage to a standing ovation.
Sniper Tom, who lost his legs and left arm in a Taliban booby trap blast, punched the air in delight from his wheelchair as the Prince handed him the Millie trophy on behalf of his whole unit.
The young warrior hollered to the audience: “Yes! 2 Para!”
Prince Charles said: “I suggested we might do this awards ceremony, and to my delight, The Sun responded. Tonight we have heard some inspirational stories. Stories that I think prove our Armed Forces really are quite exceptional.”
Earlier PM Gordon Brown invited all the nominees to Downing Street to toast their courage. He told them: “I am proud of you.” He had presented the Best Unit award to The Chinook Force in Afghanistan.
Stars and sporting greats joined military chiefs at the ceremony, hosted by Tess Daly, in South West London. They included John Terry, Frank Lampard, Jeremy Clarkson, Al Murray and Bruce Forsyth.
The show was closed by X Factor winner Alexandra Burke, with a heart-rending rendition of Hero, the Sun-inspired charity single that has raised more than £1million for wounded troops.
The ceremony came at a hugely poignant time of year for forces families, with more than 13,000 British troops away over Christmas on active duty.
The winners were decided by our elite panel of famous forces’ friends — top sports stars, celebrities and ex-military chiefs.
Summing up the spirit of the night, Bruce Forsyth said: “Isn’t it fantastic that we can gather here tonight to recognise people who have actually done something with their lives?”
And Frank Lampard said: “The word hero is used quite loosely these days but these are the real heroes.” There were moments of towering joy and incredible sadness.
Army dog handler Cpl Dave Heyhoe was given a surprise reunion with Treo his award-winning black Labrador — specially sprung from quarantine.
David and Victoria Beckham sent a recorded good luck message from Los Angeles to one of their biggest fans — double amputee L/Bdr Ben Parkinson, 24, who won the Overcoming Adversity Award.
Princes William and Harry — away on military duties — also sent a special message to the winners of the Support to the Armed Forces award, the two couples Bryn and Emma Parry and Jeremy and Francie Clarkson. Tory leader David Cameron presented the gong as it was revealed the charity’s fundraising had topped £15MILLION.
Able Seaman Jamie Campbell 25, scooped the Best Recruit award, handed over by England rugby legend Lawrence Dallaglio and TV beauty Kirsty Gallacher.
Leading Seaman Lee Duffy, 32, won the award for Most Outstanding Sailor or Marine and Warrant Officer Jack MacFarlane received the award for Most Outstanding Airman.
England rugby manager Martin Johnson and telly star Myleene Klass presented the Most Outstanding Soldier award to Warrant Officer Ian ‘Faz’ Farrell, 37.
Myleene said: “Nothing makes me prouder than being here tonight.”
L/Cpl Jan Fourie, 26, who won the Life Saver Award, said: “I got to meet Rachel Stevens. That made my night.”
Major Jez Stemp, of the Royal Marines Armoured Support Group which won the True Grit Group Award, said: “It is wonderful to be recognised for the job we do.”
Captain Simon Cupples won the True Grit individual award.
A minute’s silence was held in memory of the fallen.
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Night of glory at first Sun Military Awards - The Millies | The Sun |News|Campaigns|Our Boys
Congratulations to all the winners!