Discussing their military careers, Aaron, Chris and Andy shared what it was like being in the military and what Remembrance Day means to them.
Reflecting on what Remembrance means to him, Aaron said: “For me, it’s I think it’s really important, that I remember my friends. I lost quite a few friends on operations around the world, and I think it would be a disservice if we didn’t remember them.
“We do it because we want to make sure that our friends are always remembered. But it’s important, that the next generation know that as well and it’s passed on.”
The three also spoke about how they transitioned to civilian life after their military careers ended, alongside the help of CITC sessions.
Discussing the sessions, Andy said: “It’s not something that I knew I was missing from my life until I went and did it, and then it was like ‘I needed this’.
“I think we’ve got a completely different language that we talk together that no one else understands and it’s nice to have that back in your life.”
Aaron, Andy and Chris all recently took part in a challenge, walking a marathon in aid of Remembrance Day, raising awareness for CITC’s Military Veterans programme.
Participants finished their challenge, by walking over to the Etihad Stadium where they stood pitch-side, paying respects during a minute’s silence and the playing of The Last Post.
The Military Vets project sits under CITC’s Healthy Communities pillar, which helps armed forces personnel stay active during and after transition to civilian life.
It is a space for ex-military personnel to engage with each other, and enjoy the social aspects which team sports give, whilst maintaining regular physical exercise
Manchester City’s new festive campaign, ‘0161 Christmas Calling’ creates an opportunity for fans to come together with the Club to support its charity and local children’s hospitals.
For every purchase a fan makes from a range of selected retail items*, including the ‘0161’ inspired PUMA home kit for the 2024/25 season, the Club will donate £5 to its charity, City in the Community (CITC) (registered charity no. 1139229).
Manchester City is also matching any additional donations made to the charity, to help increase overall funds up to the value of £75,000**.
Fans can donate at the tills in the stadium store, when checking out online during their purchase journey for match tickets, or via this donation page.
Funds raised will go towards supporting CITC’s existing programmes and a new year-round project with the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital and Ronald McDonald House, including a refurbished space for patients to play football.
For more information, visit www.mancity.com/ChristmasCalling
City in the Community empowers healthier lives with city youth through football.
To find out more, visit www.mancity.com/citc or follow @citcmancity.
*Fair Isle Christmas Plush, 4-in-a-row Christmas Jumper, Santa Teddy Plush, Penguin Winter Plush, Christmas Sloth Plush, Manchester City’s PUMA home kit for the 2024/25 season.
**MCFC will donate £5 for each product* sold and will match donations made to Manchester City F.C. City in the Community Foundation (registered charity no. 1139229) during the period of 07 November 2024 to 31 December 2024 up to a maximum of £75,000 in total.
