Case Studies

Remembrance is every day for a bereaved military child

Erin was only three months old when her dad, LCpl Ross Nicholls, was killed in Afghanistan. Growing up with no memories of him has been difficult for Erin, who has had to rely on other people to help her form a picture of the man her dad was.

She joined Scotty’s Little Soldiers in 2011, a year after the charity was created, and has been a Member for over ten years. She is now 16 years old.

“Scotty’s is like a special club no one wants to join, because it …

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“Even though Remembrance is a sad day, I can still smile.”

Before Luca-Beau was born, her dad, CSgt Jamie Pallister, died by suicide. Growing up without him by her side has been incredibly difficult for Luca-Beau, and without any memories of her dad she has relied on stories other people have told her to feel connected to him.

Luca-Beau joined Scotty’s Little Soldiers at the beginning of 2014. She was four months old.

“Scotty’s means a lot to me,” says Luca-Beau, now eight. “Each year they help me get stronger when I'm …
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"Even though I've lost someone, I can still be happy."

Elizabeth and Isabelle were just babies when their dad, Leading Naval Nurse Thomas Bovington, died very suddenly of a genetic heart condition. Elizabeth, aged two, was left with precious few memories of him. Isabelle, just 11 months old, was too young to remember anything and relies on stories other people have told her. The sisters joined Scotty’s Little Soldiers in 2017.

“Scotty’s means a lot to me,” says Elizabeth, now eight years old. “It shows lots …
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Meet the bereaved military child and jiu-jitsu world champion who dreams of becoming a UFC fighter

15-year-old Poppy Swinnerton was only a baby when her dad died while serving in the Army – an event which would change the course of her life. In 2015, she joined Scotty’s Little Soldiers, the charity for bereaved military children, and just under three years ago – hoping to improve her fitness and learn how to defend herself – Poppy used one of the charity’s grants to take up Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. What started as a hobby quickly became a passion, and Poppy is now the World, …
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“I was able to speak to other people my age about a sensitive topic I don’t normally talk about.”

20-year-old William Godwin was just 15 when his dad, Flight lieutenant David Godwin, died by suicide. He joined Scotty’s Little Soldiers in 2018 and is now part of our Springboard Programme for young adults aged 18 to 25. This summer, he attended our Springboard Away Weekend in the Peak District, where he took part in an adventurous three days full of fun, physically challenging activities with other Springboarders. The goal of the weekend was to support bereaved military young …
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"For me, the main thing Scotty's means is community."

18-year-old Kirsty’s dad, Cpl Robin McLachlan, died in a road accident before she was born. She and her sister became part of Scotty’s Little Soldiers in early 2012 and are two of the charities earliest Members.

“For me, the main thing Scotty’s means is community,” says Kirsty. “It’s a fantastic resource, and it always helps to know you’re not alone and that there are other people your age in similar situations. If you ever want to reach out with any …
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“Scotty’s has done a lot for me, so when I saw an opening to host the podcast it felt like a chance to give something back.”

20-year-old Alex Thomas was just four when his dad, Major David Thomas, died of cancer. Alex has been supported by Scotty’s Little Soldiers since he was 13 and is now the host our Aspire podcast for 18 to 25-year-olds, where he speaks to inspirational guests who have overcome challenges and achieved great things.

Alex’s dad, Major David Thomas, served in the REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) and was diagnosed with cancer when Alex was five months old. …
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“I was terrified of dancing on the stage, but before the curtains went up I thought of my dad and remembered I was dancing for him.”

17-year-old Emily Murphy was just two years old when her dad, Lance Corporal John Murphy, took his own life. Here, Emily talks about how support from Scotty’s Little Soldiers has not only helped her grow in confidence, but enabled her to pursue her dream of dancing on the West End stage.

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