THE founder of an Oxfordshire organisation which helps former servicemen get back on the career ladder says she is delighted after the group won a prestigious award.

The Hamilton Project has received the Community Group prize for the East region in The Royal British Legion’s Friends of The Forces Awards.

The project runs Civvylisation, a new event in Oxford which lets past and present members of the Armed Forces talk to a range of help groups and discover what job opportunities are available to them.

The Friends of the Forces awards launched in February, backed by Prince Harry, to recognise people who contribute to the well-being or appreciation of the British Armed Forces.

Project founder Dr Tracey Marr said the team was “absolutely delighted” to have been recognised.

She said: “Over the last five years, close to 500 ex-Forces personnel have been provided with access to our book, enterprise education and mentoring from The Hamilton Project.

“This award represents the culmination of the hard work undertaken by an excellent team and a number of voluntary supporters and fundraisers.”

The Hamilton Project, based in Little Haseley, near Great Milton, was formed in memory of Richard Hamilton, who died in a canoeing accident in 2005 aged 35.

He had trained in law and medicine and served in the SAS for five years.

Dr Marr added: “We would like to dedicate this award to all our supporters and the family of Richard.”

Hundreds of Armed Forces veterans packed into County Hall in January for the first Civvylisation event, backed by the Oxford Mail.

Exhibitors including NHS Oxfordshire, JobCentre Plus and the Royal British Legion, helped advise veterans on rejoining Civvy Street.

Rob Blair was a Royal Marines Commando for eight years and has received help from the Hamilton Project.

He said: “Since originally meeting The Hamilton Project team back in 2006, they have offered constant support, from the initial start up to a now expanding and passionate fitness training business.

“I have experienced the highs and lows, as all start-up businesses do. However, with their expertise, guidance and friendship, I have turned my pipe dream into a highly rewarding and respected business.”

Linda Flecknell, the Royal British Legion’s county manager, thanked the project for all its help.

She said: “The Hamilton Project has put in an exceptional effort to offer help and support to the Armed Forces family.

“We are extremely pleased to be recognising their dedication through this award.

“The judges were incredibly impressed by the outstanding work that they have been doing.“ Winners have been chosen from eight regions across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. A shortlist will be announced later this month to go forward to a national final next month.

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