Former Soldier Stu Mendelson Unites Veterans and Military Wives Choirs in Bid for Christmas No.1

A former British soldier who turned his own battles into a mission to support fellow veterans is aiming for the top of the Christmas chart. Stu Mendelson’s original single ‘We’re Still Here’ is released on Armistice Day, 11 November 2026, at 11:00am.

Written, composed and arranged by Mendelson, the song unites veterans from The Muster Point in Hertfordshire and Veterans in Crisis Sunderland with singers from the Chicksands and Henlow Military Wives Choirs. Its message is simple and powerful: although conflicts disappear from the headlines, the struggles of those who served – and the families beside them – don’t simply end.

From Afghanistan to the recording studio

Mendelson joined the British Army in 2005 as a Royal Engineer. In December 2009, while deployed in Afghanistan, he was seriously injured by a Taliban improvised explosive device. He lost his right eye and was completely blind for several weeks before regaining sight in his left.

After leaving the Army he faced PTSD, mental health difficulties and addiction. Clean and sober since 2023, he co-founded The Muster Point, a veterans’ community group in Stevenage that helps former service personnel build friendships, reduce isolation and find support. He has since spoken in Parliament and worked with MPs to highlight gaps in veterans’ support.

A song made by the community

The idea grew out of a light-hearted project last year: a military-themed rewrite of Band Aid’s classic, ‘Do They Know It’s Muster Time?’, which won the approval of Sir Bob Geldof. This year Mendelson wanted something entirely original – and he wanted the Armed Forces community in the room making it.

“I didn’t want to simply write a song about veterans. I wanted the Armed Forces community to be part of making it. The song is about reminding the nation that we’re still here, and that for many veterans and their families, the battles continue long after the fighting ends.”

He organised and funded the whole project himself and, pushing well beyond his comfort zone, sings the lead vocal too.

Why Christmas

The single recognises that Christmas can be a hard time for anyone dealing with loss, isolation or personal struggle. Its message is one of connection: nobody should face difficult times alone.

Money raised will support the Chicksands and Henlow Military Wives Choirs, The Muster Point and Veterans in Crisis Sunderland. The campaign builds through November and December, with more performances alongside the choirs being explored.

If you’re looking for a Christmas No.1 with real heart this year, this is it.

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