The Falklands Veterans Foundation (FVF) - Who We Are

Simon Weston CBE - Patron

Simon is often referred to as the face of the Falklands after that fateful day, 8 June 1982, when he was a young Welsh Guardsman aboard the Sir Galahad during the Falklands War. His sheer determination not to allow what happened to him in 1982 rule his life, has given hope and encouragement to many.

Simon is in great demand as an inspirational guest speaker, which has seen him travel all over the UK and Europe.

Simon remains a tireless worker for charities and was awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in 1992 and awarded the Freedom of the City of Liverpool in 2002. Simon was awarded the CBE in the 2015 New Year's Honours List and also awarded the Freedom of the City of London.

The Trustees

Tony Davies OBE - Chairman

Tony served for 32 years in the Army with the Welsh Guards. He was the RSM during the Falklands Campaign, awarded the MBE in November 1982 in the Campaign Honours and Commissioned shortly afterwards. He retired from the Army in 1993 as a Lieutenant Colonel (QM) with the Welsh TA Brigade.

Tony was then employed by The Royal British Legion until 2002, culminating for his final three years as the Head of the Poppy Appeal. He then joined The Union Jack Club from where he retired in April 2011 as the Chief Executive.

Tony was one of the Founder Members of SAMA 82 serving both as Treasurer and from 2007 - 2010 as Chairman. He is now a Life Vice President.

Now retired and a full time gardener, Veteran and occasional golfer. He was awarded the OBE in the 2012 New Year's Honours List for services to the Armed Forces.

Mike Osman - Vice Chairman

Mike served with the Royal Navy as a Marine Engineering Mechanic and left in 1982, shortly before the Falklands War. He has strong links with the Armed Forces, appearing often at special events. He is also a Vice President of the British Forces Foundation.

Mike became a full time professional entertainer as an impressionist in 1984. His famous impressions range from former Prime Minister John Major, Bruce Forsyth and Chris Tarrant, naming but a few.

Mike is a well-respected radio presenter and entertainer and became a successful After Dinner Speaker in the early 1990s and still is today.

Derek 'Smokey' Cole

Derek, most commonly known as 'Smokey' served onboard HMS Intrepid as a POMEM(M) during the Falklands War.

After leaving the Royal Navy in 1996, after serving 25 years, he set up his own Entertainment Agency. During that time he worked with several well-known celebrities and has always kept close links with the military. He is an Ambassador of the British Forces Foundation.

Derek has arranged several Falklands Reunions in Gosport and was highly involved in the organisation of 'Falklands 25' in London and the build of Liberty Lodge..

Alan 'Sharkey' Ward - Chief Petty Officer

Alan, most commonly known as 'Sharkey' served on board HMS Herald as a Marine Engineering Mechanic, 'Stoker', during the Falklands War.

Sharkey has just started his 44th year in the Royal Navy having joined in July 1977. Recently, Sharkey has carried out two deployments in the Falkland Islands as the NEFI Chippy which included maintaining memorials. He was the liaison between the Falkland Islanders and the British Forces making sure that the war and those who are still on duty are not forgotten. Sharkey arranged for the Naval Personnel to paint the exterior of Liberty Lodge and encouraged Visiting Veterans to visit the military base at MPC.

In 2019/2020 Sharkey and his wife JoJo, helped raise over £10,000 for the FVF and Liberty Lodge which helps towards the Lodge's running costs.

Sharkey is due to retire from the Royal Navy in June 2024 and is looking forward to becoming more involved with the Charity.

Gary Butler - Company Secretary / Treasurer