Materials handling and engineering specialist Briggs Equipment has raised £35,000 for the national charity of the British Army, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and the Royal Logistic Corps’ rugby development programme by sponsoring an exclusive military-style charity dinner.

Following the success of a similar event in 2014, Briggs was delighted to co-host and sponsor the 29 Regiment RLC Officers’ Mess Dinner, which was held at the Duke of Gloucester Barracks near Cirencester on May 18.

One hundred and thirty people attended the event, which was organised by the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC). This year, its chosen charity was ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, which provides lifetime support to serving soldiers, veterans and their immediate families in times of need. As well as making grants to individuals through their Regiments and Corps, the charity supports a wide range of specialist charities that sustain the British Army ‘family’ at home and around the world.

Brigadier Martin Moore CBE, President of the RLC RUFC, said: “Once again we offer our sincere thanks to Briggs and everyone who attended the dinner, for their kind generosity. Through sport, we can help soldiers develop vital skills such as communication and teamwork. I think I speak for all those involved in rugby within the RLC when I say how vital and how much, we value the ongoing support. We are also thrilled that ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, will benefit from this donation; the charity makes a real difference at critical times in the lives of soldiers and their dependants.”

After dinner, guests were addressed by Major General Sir Evelyn John Webb-Carter KCVO, OBE, DL of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity and Brigadier Martin Moore CBE. There was also an inspirational speech by Captain Jon White RM, who lost both legs and an arm after stepping on an improvised explosive device (IED) while on duty in Afghanistan. The former Royal Marine Commando talked about his fight for survival and how various military charities helped him rebuild his life.

Specialist division Briggs Defence works in partnership with the Ministry of Defence to provide global materials handling equipment supply and support to the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, and has been supporting the RLC’s sports programme since 1998.

Gary Clements, Strategic Operations Director at Briggs Equipment, said: “Once again customers and industry partners have done us proud, turning out in force to support this year’s charity dinner. It’s a fantastic evening and we are proud to acknowledge the significant role played by the dedicated servicemen and women of the UK’s Armed Forces.”