Soldiers new and old at cheese ceremony

Derek Derenalagi, Afghanistan veteran and 2012 Paralympic athlete,  joined Chelsea Pensioner and D-Day vet Bill Cantwell for the Ceremony of Christmas Cheeses. 
The Dairy Council has been organising the cheese donations for over 50 years. They are presented to the in-pensioners during a special ceremony at the hospital.  Dr Judith Bryans, director of The Dairy Council, says: “We are delighted that once again the men and women of the Royal Hospital will enjoy fine quality British cheeses this Christmas. We are also overjoyed that Derek was able to join us today. Soldiers in many ways are as fit as athletes, and their diets are an important part of keeping them that way. The nutrition in dairy foods has a big part to play in this. Derek, as both a soldier and athlete, will know this more than most.”
Derenalagi was on a tour of duty in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, when his car was hit by an IED. He was pronounced dead and placed into a body bag before a medic detected a faint pulse. As a result of his injuries both legs were amputated above the knee. Remarkably, he went on to compete as part of Team GB in this year’s Paralympic games in the discus event.
“I am so pleased to be here to be here with the Chelsea Pensioners for the Dairy Council’s Ceremony of Christmas Cheeses,” Derenalagi says. “It is always an honour to meet fellow veterans, and to support the work done by the Royal Hospital. It is a great institution. I’m looking forward to the rest of the festive season.”
A 23.4 kg Montgomery Cheddar, donated by Jamie Montgomery of Montgomery Cheese in Somerset,was ceremonially cut by In-Pensioner Bill Cantwell, aged 87.
Cantwell was born in Maerdy, South Wales and joined the General Service Corps in September 1942.  He transferred to The Corps of Royal Engineers in December of that year. In June 1944, he took part in the D-Day landings, working his way through France into Germany, ending up at Nienburg.  He was discharged from the Army in July 1947.

Cantwell joined The Royal Hospital Chelsea in April 2011 and quickly adapted to life back in uniform.  He has three daughters, all of whom visit him regularly.  Although 87, he is still very active and enjoys the many excursions organised for the in-pensioners. Cantwell says: “It is a great honour to take part in this wonderful ceremony. I am proud to represent the in-pensioners here at the Royal Hospital. We cannot thank the cheesemakers enough for their generous contributions or Derek for taking the time to come and visit with us.”