Raytheon UK partners with Combat Stress at Army, Navy and RAF Twenty20
Today, Raytheon UK has teamed up with Combat Stress, the leading mental health charity for veterans, to support the annual Inter Services Twenty20 cricket tournament at LordÂ’s Cricket Ground.
The tournament – which is celebrating its tenth anniversary at Lord’s cricket ground this year - involves all three UK armed forces, the Army, Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. All proceeds from the tournament will go to Combat Stress, the UK’s leading charity for veterans’ mental health, as it celebrates its 100th anniversary.
Richard Daniel, Chief Executive of Raytheon UK, said: “We are delighted to be able to work with the UK’s Armed Forces at this year’s Inter Services T20 cricket tournament to further our partnership and support for Combat Stress.
Combat Stress provides invaluable support and services for the UK’s veterans, and we at Raytheon UK believe it is important to support initiatives like this to help raise awareness around mental health and encourage people to reach out for help”.
The Inter Services T20 event is just one of several initiatives Raytheon undertakes to support the UK Armed Forces; the company has an active events programme, provides a range of technology and training and was recently awarded the Gold Standard for its support to the Armed Forces by the Ministry of Defence.
Raytheon UK has worked in partnership with Combat Stress since early 2019. In March of this year, following a £40,000 donation to the charity, Raytheon UK employees took part in Combat Stress’ annual March in March event, walking over 700 cumulative miles.
Sue Freeth, Chief Executive of Combat Stress said: "We really do appreciate Raytheon UK's continued support for Combat Stress, and we're delighted to be the chosen charity for the tenth Inter-Services T20 Cricket Tournament at Lord's. This month marks Combat Stress' centenary, and with demand for our services growing, we've launched 'The At Ease Appeal' to raise an extra £10 million so we can provide life-changing - and often life-saving services to veterans with mental health issues such as PTSD, anxiety and depression."
This year’s event coincides with the ICC Cricket World Cup, which is being hosted across England and Wales. The RAF team are hoping to defend their 2018 victory against the Army and Royal Navy, with the Army keen to win, having previously won the five successive tournaments prior to 2018.
Kevin Howard, chair of the Raytheon Reservists Employee Resource Group, said: “Many of our employees at Raytheon UK have served in the armed forces or have close relationships with those who do. Supporting them through charitable events like this is just one way we can pay our respects to the work they do.”