18/06/2026
Last week, we had the privilege of spending time with the Victoria Cross Trust and witnessing first hand the incredible work they do preserving the graves of our nation's bravest heroes.
The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour in the face of the enemy. Since its introduction by Queen Victoria in 1856, only a small number have ever been awarded, making every recipient's story one of extraordinary courage and sacrifice.
The Victoria Cross Trust works tirelessly to locate, restore, repair and maintain the graves and memorials of these heroes, ensuring their stories are never forgotten. This work is carried out free of charge, with the permission and support of the recipients' families, relying heavily on donations to continue their mission.
This particular visit took us to Guiseley, where volunteers were carefully cleaning and restoring the graves of the Cottrell brothers. Watching the care, respect and attention to detail that goes into every restoration was truly humbling.
What many people don't realise is that preserving these memorials comes at a cost. Specialist heritage approved steam cleaning equipment, restoration work, travel and ongoing maintenance all require funding, and even the smallest donation can make a huge difference to helping preserve these important pieces of history for future generations.
As a company, we're proud to support organisations that make a real difference in our communities, and the work being carried out by the Victoria Cross Trust is nothing short of exceptional.
A huge thank you to everyone involved for allowing us to witness the process and learn more about the history behind these remarkable individuals.
Because these aren't just gravestones. They're the final resting places of heroes whose courage helped shape history, and their stories deserve to be remembered.
If you'd like to support the incredible work of the Victoria Cross Trust, please consider making a donation. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps ensure these heroes are never forgotten.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/our-team-of-veteran-volunteers-restore-military-graves?attribution_id=sl:f07a5436-1651-4f90-855b-d52f67aeee46&ts=1781780223&utm_campaign=natman_sharesheet_dash&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link
