Mark Macarte, treasurer of the Cumbria branch of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been honoured with the Sir James Gildea Global Volunteer Award for his passion, dedication, and commitment. The award was presented at the Victory Services Club during SSAFA’s Annual General Meeting, recognising exceptional contributions to the charity’s activities and values.
Award presented by Sir James’s descendants
This year’s presentations carried a special link to SSAFA’s history: they were made by two of Sir James Gildea’s descendants, Edward Gildea and David Santa-Olalla DSO MC. Edward is a retired headteacher, and David serves as the regional chair of SSAFA London.
Mark, originally from London, joined the Royal Navy in 1973 but was invalided out in 1982 after he began wearing glasses. His final sea role was as a frigate navigator. In 1987, he joined the Royal Air Force and was posted to Carlisle in 1988. Apart from six years posted away, he has lived in Carlisle ever since. He retired from the RAF in 1996.
From flying Chipmunks to the flute
Mark’s hobbies span two distinct interests: flying light aircraft and playing the flute. As he is keen to point out, “... not at the same time.” His love of flying began at Dartmouth, where he accumulated 65 hours on the de Havilland Chipmunk. Life and family put his flying on hold until 2013, when he obtained his private pilot’s licence. He now flies light aircraft from Carlisle Airport and plays the flute in a local orchestra.
Mark was still in the RAF when he first volunteered for SSAFA in 1988, starting as a caseworker. He later took responsibility for the accounts of a large and successful summer cocktail party held annually by the Cumbria branch from 1999. He became branch treasurer in December 2003 after the death of the previous postholder.
Nearly 23 years in a ‘temporary’ role
“It was initially going to be a temporary appointment until a permanent replacement could be found. Little did I realise then that I would still be in this ‘temporary’ post nearly 23 years later...” Mark said.
In his citation for the award, Mark was praised for his strong team ethic, meticulous care, professionalism, and sense of duty. The citation reads: “Mark’s reliability and steady leadership have been a cornerstone of the branch’s resilience, particularly during challenging periods, where he has been instrumental in its survival and subsequent regeneration.”
Mark commented: “I believe that it’s essential to give a professional service. As the saying goes, if it is worth doing it is worth doing properly. I’ve been very fortunate to be in a position where I can do this and play a small part in the organisation to support the wonderful work SSAFA does generally, the branch, our volunteers, and our clients.”
‘Take the plunge’
“I’m immensely honoured to have been given this award. I feel that I represent all those volunteers who work behind the scenes to make our support for the whole Armed Forces community – serving personnel and veterans, and their families – run smoothly,” he added. He said that anyone considering volunteering should: “...take the plunge. It’s very fulfilling to give something back and, without realising, it becomes a way of life.”
All at SSAFA send Mark their heartfelt congratulations on receiving the Sir James Gildea Global Award. To learn more about SSAFA in your region – as a potential volunteer, beneficiary, or fundraiser – search for 'SSAFA near me'.
