Combat Stress supporter wins Lifetime Achievement Award at Soldiering On Awards 2023

Khumi Burton, a long-term supporter of Combat Stress, has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Soldiering on Awards 2023 for her commitment and dedication to military charities and the military community.

At the ceremony in London last night, 74-year-old Khumi was presented with the prestigious award by Minister for Veterans Johnny Mercer MP for dedicating her life to helping others. Over the years Khumi has worked within communities to support Armed Forces charities, raising an incredible £1.4 million for the Poppy Appeal as East Chesire County Poppy Appeal Coordinator and more than £38,000 for Combat Stress as a community volunteer.

Khumi was born in Manipur, India, near the Burmese Frontier in 1948. Having grown up where some of the greatest battles of the Second World War took place, she has always been a champion of Remembrance and service charities.

In 1976 Khumi married a retired Major from the Cheshire Regiment and moved to the UK to be with her husband. In 2003 she was appointed as Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester in 2003, becoming the first South-East Asian woman to be appointed, in recognition of her work in the community.

In 2009 Khumi began supporting Combat Stress through various events and fundraising activities. Her drive and dedication has been unstoppable and she continues to drum up support and awareness of the charity to this day, the importance of which cannot be understated.

Combat Stress was delighted to nominate Khumi for the Lifetime Achievement Award, which honours a person whose lifetime of dedicated service has provided a significant contribution in support of the Armed Forces community. We are incredibly proud of Khumi and are delighted that she has been recognised for her efforts. To have embraced moving halfway across the world and dedicated her life to supporting charities and the community, without want of accolade or personal acclaim, is truly inspirational.

On her award, Khumi said: "I am very humbled that Combat Stress felt I deserved to be nominated for the Lifetime Achievement category of the Soldiering On Awards, and I am astounded that I am a recipient of the award as the other two finalists were an incredible pair.

“I do hope that my little achievement helps raise awareness of the importance of Combat Stress in the lives of veterans struggling with their mental health, and shows that anyone can volunteer for this worthy cause.

“I will continue to spread word of Combat Stress wherever I am, and do my bit to ensure the charity is there for veterans in the years to come. Bless all of you who support and work for the betterment of the lives of others."