Building Heroes Welcomes New Patron: Colonel Gordon Straughan OBE TD VR

Building Heroes is thrilled to announce Colonel Gordon Straughan OBE TD VR as its new patron. With a distinguished military and civilian career, Colonel Straughan brings a wealth of experience and expertise that will greatly benefit our charity.

Born in 1958, Colonel Straughan began his military journey in April 1985 with the Territorial Army and the 6th Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. He was commissioned in 1988 and served in various capacities, including Training Major with Northumbria Universities Officers Training Corps and as Commanding Officer of the 15 (NE) Brigade Specialist Training Team. His exemplary service was recognized in 2009 when he was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

In parallel to his military career, Colonel Straughan also had a formidable 35-year tenure in the NHS, holding several senior managerial roles. After qualifying as a Registered Mental Nurse in 1981 and achieving an Advanced Diploma in Professional Studies in Nursing, he later earned a Master in Business Administration from Durham University Business School in 1999. His NHS roles included Divisional Director at Gateshead Healthcare NHS Trust and Chief Executive at Tyne & Wear Contractor Services Agency, among others. He also founded I&G Developments Ltd, a property development company, though it was later dissolved due to the Covid pandemic.

In April 2018, Colonel Straughan was elected Chairman of the North of England Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (NE RFCA) and has contributed to several other committees and boards related to reserve forces and cadets.

Gordon is a proud Northumbrian, married to Iris, with whom he has two grown children. His deep-rooted experience in both military and civilian sectors, combined with his dedication to public service and community support, aligns perfectly with the values and mission of Building Heroes. We are confident that his involvement will bring considerable expertise and prestige to our charity, enhancing our efforts to support the armed forces community in transitioning to civilian life through training in construction skills.

Please join us in warmly welcoming Colonel Gordon Straughan to the Building Heroes family. We look forward to a fruitful collaboration and are excited about the future possibilities under his patronage.

Welcome aboard, Gordon!