National Memorial Arboretum dedicates memorial to veterans who died by suicide

The Elysium Memorial offers a contemplative space for families, friends and colleagues

Hundreds of people have gathered at the National Memorial Arboretum for the dedication of a permanent tribute to veterans and armed forces personnel who have died by suicide.

More than 1,300 military veterans and personnel have taken their lives in the last 30 years, with the memorial aiming to provide a place for contemplation for those affected by the loss of a friend or loved one.

More than 300 motorcyclist rode to the arboretum from Burton-on-Trent on Sunday, with a convoy organised by community organisation Wheels for Wishes.

"This is why I did it, I did for for the friends, the families, the comrades, those that we've lost to suicide," he told the BBC.

Edward Mackenzie, co-founder of the Elysium Memorial Foundation, said he was "blown away" by the response

The UK's first memorial honouring veterans and armed forces personnel who have died by suicide was dedicated at the National Memorial Arboretum

There were 277 cases of veterans taking their own lives between 2006 and 2025, according to the Ministry of Defence.

"The welfare of our armed forces is at the heart of everything we do - more than £25m invested into Op Courage in the last year and our £50m Valour programme gives veterans in England access to specialist NHS mental health services and access to essential care, continuing our steadfast commitment to provide our forces and their families the wellbeing support they deserve."

Hundreds of people attended the ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum

More than 300 motorcyclist rode in convoy from Burton-on-Trent to the arboretum

Following the ceremony, people at the arboretum were invited to lay their own wreaths at the memorial.