A seven-year-old from South Ruislip, whose parent serves in the Royal Air Force, was invited to meet the Chelsea Pensioners last month.
Mabel was one of 15 children invited by the military children’s charity, Little Troopers, to meet retired veterans at The Royal Hospital Chelsea, which is home to a group of army veterans known as the Chelsea Pensioners.
The event, hosted to celebrate the Month of the Military Child, invited the pensioners and children to share their experiences of military life. They found they had much in common, as many of the pensioners also had parents serving in the forces or had military children of their own.
Speaking about her experience, Mabel said: “I loved meeting the Chelsea Pensioners and exploring the building. I really liked Brian; he was very interesting and kind.”
Louise Fetigan, founder of Little Troopers, added: “It’s so special to see the two generations interacting and learning so much about each other’s experiences, and it’s surprising just how much they have in common. It was a wonderful way to help these military children feel recognised, included and celebrated, which is what our charity is all about.”
Together, the group also made dandelion finger paintings to honour the dandelion, which is the official flower of the military child. It symbolises the strength and resilience of military children.
For more information about Little Troopers, head to www.littletroopers.net
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