89 Year-Old Don hosts a Fundraising Fiesta

Don Hyatt has a strong military background, growing up in London during the Blitz, he went on to join the armed forces in 1953 with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (R.E.M.E) and was attached to the Household Calvary Mounted Regiment, serving in the Middle East in the Suez Crisis.

Following his time in service Don moved back to the City of London where he began his career in shipping as a Clerk in 1961, he worked his way up to the Chartering Director of Instone Aviation, which later became British Airways in 1987.

At 89 years of age, Don is not slowing down. He is a passionate supporter of a number of military charities. He set up a ‘rest and recovery programme’ for soldiers who had served in Afghanistan who received casualties and has been a huge supporter of The Gurkha Welfare Trust for many years. Don’s uncle served with the Gurkhas and always credited them for bringing him home.

Don was awarded the honour of ‘Freedom of the City of London’ in December 2023 to recognise his charitable work and achievements in the City of London.

Raising money for Gurkha veterans

Don held his first Charity Garden Party in 2022 where he raised funds for The Gurkha Welfare Trust.

Don’s Garden Parties are no small affair. This year’s Garden Party, which was held on Sunday 26th May, included displays of decommissioned tanks, live music, wood carving, children’s entertainment with a bouncy castle, slide and Shetland pony. A raffle and an auction of paintings and carvings also took place. A Nepali lunch prepared by members of the Canterbury Gurkha Nepalese Community was also included in the cost of the ticket.

“Just awesome, and much appreciated what you do for us mad veterans”

Paul Robinson, Garden Party Attendee

Army Veteran Simon Brown attended the party. Simon lost his sight when he was shot in the cheek during his second operational tour of Iraq, whist navigating through the dusty landscape in a Spartan Tank during a recovery mission. For the first time since his accident, Simon sat in the turret of a Spartan Tank as it took a tour of the village. His comments following the experience; “I got back in one piece this time.”

This year’s Garden Party raised an incredible £3144 for The Trust.

Interested in hosting your own Garden Party? Contact Rii Bura for more information on 01722 343108.