Una Smith celebrates 82nd birthday with daring zip slide for SSAFA

12 September 2024

On Friday, 13 September, Una Smith, a stalwart of SSAFA in Scotland, and a dedicated volunteer, will celebrate her 82nd birthday in a remarkable way—by taking part in a zip slide across the River Clyde in Glasgow. This daring feat is not just a personal challenge but a heartfelt effort to raise funds for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity that Una has passionately supported for over two decades.

Una, who lives in Dumbarton, retired from the Reserves as a major and was awarded the Royal Red Cross medal (Associate) by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, is no stranger to service and adventure. Her life has been dedicated to helping others, both as a nurse and as a volunteer. From her early days in the countryside of Lugton, Ayrshire, to her time in the Territorial Army, Una has always been a beacon of dedication and resilience.

Reflecting on her decision to take part in the zip slide on her 82nd birthday, Una said, “I’ve always believed in pushing myself and taking on new challenges. SSAFA has been a big part of my life, and I’m honoured to do something exciting to give back to the charity that supports so many veterans.”

Una's connection to SSAFA runs deep. Since 1998, she has been a Caseworker, visiting veterans in their homes, assessing their needs, and ensuring they receive the support they deserve. Her fundraising efforts for SSAFA have been tireless, from organising "Big Brew Ups" to collecting donations at Glasgow Central Station. Even during lockdown, she remained active, making regular calls to veterans to check on their wellbeing.

Una’s life of service does not stop at SSAFA. She also supports Alzheimer Scotland, a cause close to her heart after her late husband, Jim, battled Alzheimer's disease. The couple was well-known in the military community, often seen together assisting wheelchair-user veterans at parades and other events.

As Una prepares for her exhilarating zip slide across the Clyde, she hopes to raise as much as possible to continue supporting SSAFA’s vital work in Scotland. On the day of the event, Una will be accepting donations in person, and all contributions will go directly towards supporting SSAFA’s essential services.