Telford Veterans Champion
1787. Ednam Mansfield
Ednam (Eddie) Mansfield, from Telford, is an Armed Forces veteran who has spent a lifetime of service supporting fellow veterans in his community, including founding the ‘Telford Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club’.
Eddie is a volunteer with the Royal British Legion, the Royal Air Forces Association, and the Air Training Corps, where he is also a civilian instructor working with young cadets. In 2017 he decided to set up his own local voluntary initiative, the ‘Telford Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club, to support his community of veterans and current serving Armed Forces personnel by providing a relaxed, safe and social space for people to meet face to face. Many of the club’s attendees are still dealing with physical and mental health issues relating to their military service, and the fortnightly breakfast clubs can help provide a means of direct first contact for those seeking help.
In a personal letter to Eddie, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“It was fantastic to hear from your local MP, Lucy Allan, about your lifetime of service in our Armed Forces.
“By founding ‘Telford Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club’ you are supporting the men and women, like yourself, who have risked their lives to protect our country. As we remember the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice, I am humbled to recognise you as the UK’s 1787th Point of Light.”
Lucy Allan, MP for Telford, said:
“I am delighted that the Prime Minister has recognised Eddie for the Points of Light Award.
“Eddie has dedicated a lifetime of service to his country and his selfless voluntary work for the community has been both exemplary and inspiring. I couldn’t think of a more deserving recipient.
“Eddie really is the best of Telford and I am proud that his achievements have been recognised at the highest level.”