King Edward VII Sister Agnes Charity

04/09/2026

“Asking for help isn’t always easy, but it can change everything.”

After nearly four decades of service in the Royal Navy, Andrew was used to being the person others could rely on. Asking for help himself was something altogether different.

Following his retirement as a Captain, Andrew developed Peyronie’s disease – a little-talked-about condition that can have a significant impact on a man’s confidence, sense of self-worth and mental wellbeing.

When Andrew needed specialist treatment that he could not access through the NHS, the cost of private treatment and surgery was more than £10,000.

A grant from King Edward VII (Sister Agnes) Charity helped him access the treatment he needed, removing the financial pressure at an incredibly difficult time.

Andrew has generously chosen to speak openly about his experience in the hope that it might encourage someone else in the Armed Forces community to ask for help.

“Service people spend their lives looking after others. They’re often the last people to ask for help themselves. If sharing my story encourages someone else to come forward and get the support they need, then it’s absolutely worthwhile.”

If you are serving or have served in the Armed Forces, or are an eligible family member, and are struggling to access the medical treatment you need, King Edward VII (Sister Agnes) Charity may be able to help.

Read Andrew’s full story and find out more about the support available 👇

20/08/2026

Every grant application we receive represents an individual or family seeking support at a significant moment in their lives. We take our responsibility to assess applications and award grants with great care and diligence.

It was valuable to bring our Grants Committee together recently to review applications from serving and former members of the UK Armed Forces and their families who require medical treatment, while also considering ways to further strengthen and refine our grants process.

The meeting brought together a wealth of expertise from the military, medical, and charitable sectors, including Dr Martin CM Bricknell CB OStJ, member of our Advisory Board; Professor Roger Kirby and Commodore Alison Hofman, members of our Board of Trustees; alongside Ginder Nisar, Charity Director; Marian Cioanca, Head of Data & Fundraising Operations; and Caroline Dunne, Relationship & Engagement Manager.

Each application is considered carefully on its individual circumstances, helping to ensure that our charitable funds are directed responsibly and where they can make the greatest impact.

Founded in 1899 and governed by Royal Charter since 1930, King Edward VII's Hospital (Sister Agnes) Charity continues its longstanding mission of supporting serving and former members of the UK Armed Forces and their families to access the medical treatment they need.

05/08/2026

Last week marked what would have been Sister Agnes' 174th birthday, providing a fitting opportunity to reflect on the remarkable woman whose compassion and commitment laid the foundations for the Charity we know today.

In 1899, she transformed her home into a nursing facility for sick and wounded Army officers returning from the Boer War. She went on to care for soldiers, sailors and airmen injured during both World Wars.

"I cannot think of a finer or more honourable profession than the Army." – Sister Agnes

Long before modern healthcare charities existed, Sister Agnes recognised the importance of ensuring that those who had served our nation could access the care they needed.

Today, that commitment lives on through King Edward VII (Sister Agnes) Charity, supporting serving and former members of the UK Armed Forces and their families with grants for life-changing medical treatment.

While much has changed over the past 125 years, our purpose remains the same: helping those who have served our nation access timely, high-quality medical treatment when they need it most.

28/07/2026

"I finally felt someone was listening."

Behind every grant we provide is a serving or former member of the UK Armed Forces with a story to tell.

Today, we're sharing the story of one of our beneficiaries, highlighting the impact of King Edward VII (Sister Agnes) Charity and the difference timely support can make.

After decades of service in the Royal Air Force and later as a Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London, our beneficiary was left living with constant pain caused by severe osteoarthritis. As his mobility declined, so did his independence.

With support from King Edward VII (Sister Agnes) Charity, he was able to access knee replacement surgery at Practice Plus Group, helping him regain his mobility, confidence and quality of life.

His experience is a powerful reminder that, for many serving and former members of the UK Armed Forces and their families, timely access to treatment can be truly life changing.

Read his story and discover how the Charity continues to support those who have served:
https://kingedwardviisisteragnescharity.org.uk/case-studies/i-finally-felt-someone-was-listening/

Graham Smith – Grenadier Guards Veteran Treatment funded: Hip replacement

26/06/2026

This UK Armed Forces week, we recognise and thank all those who serve, or have served, in the Armed Forces, and the families who support them.

King Edward VII Sister Agnes Charity is proud to support serving and former members of the UK Armed Forces, and their families, by providing grants towards the cost of medical treatment.

As we mark Armed Forces Week, we pay tribute to the dedication, commitment and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community and reaffirm our commitment to supporting those who have served our country.

If you know a serving or former member of the Armed Forces, or their families, who may benefit from the charity's support, please visit our website to find out more.

15/05/2026

We are pleased to share an update as the King Edward VII (Sister Agnes) Charity continues its evolution as a grant making organisation.

Building on changes communicated last year, the Charity now focuses entirely on providing financial support for uninsured serving and former members of the UK Armed Forces and their families. Our grants programme offers partial military grants for non spinal musculoskeletal (MSK) surgical treatments, alongside smaller grants for other medical treatments, available across the UK at a hospital of choice.

Founded in 1899, our mission remains unchanged, and we are proud to continue as a Royal Charter Charity under the patronage of His Majesty King Charles III. We have also launched a new website (link below) with further details on our grants programme and eligibility.

https://kingedwardviisisteragnescharity.org.uk

Thank you to our supporters for your continued trust and generous support as we shape the next chapter of our 126 year legacy.

19/12/2025

King Edward VII (Sister Agnes) Charity is a Royal Charter Charity established in 1899 to support serving and former members of the Armed Forces and their families who require medical treatment.

Formerly associated with King Edward VII's Hospital, the Charity is now wholly independent and looks ahead with confidence to the next chapter of its work, while remaining rooted in the principles and purpose that have defined it for more than 126 years.

In response to the evolving needs of our beneficiaries in the 21st century, the Charity is developing refreshed and innovative services, including plans for the Centre for Veterans Health. These initiatives reflect a continued commitment to those who are serving, and have served, while upholding the ethos of care, dignity and service established by our founder, Sister Agnes.

We are deeply grateful to our donors and supporters for their continued commitment to the Charity. Their generosity remains central to our work.

Further details of the Charity’s future plans will be shared in due course, as developments progress and approvals are confirmed.

You can also follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/king-edward-vii-sister-agnes-charity/