Introducing Colin Thackery

When 89-year-old Chelsea Pensioner Colin Thackery starts to sing, there’s barely a dry eye in the house. Performing on Britain’s Got Talent in his iconic Scarlet, with a row of medals across his chest, he mesmerised the audience as he lifted his voice in memory of his beloved wife Joan.

In the months that followed Joan’s death, music helped Colin to cope and it’s continued to be a comfort and support to him.

To learn more about Colin and keep up with his progress on Britain's Got Talent, use the menu below.

Royal Hospital Chelsea Newsletter

Stay up to date with what's going on at The Royal Hospital by signing up for our e‑newsletter.

News

View the archive

Chelsea Pensioner, Tony, holds a large canvas he has painted of two Navy battleships at sea
The Healing Power of Art: Chelsea Pensioner, Tony, shares how art has helped him in later life and how the Royal Hospital is expanding art in the community

Since joining the Royal Hospital Chelsea in 2021, Tony has discovered a new passion – art. He shared more on how this creative outlet has benefitted his wellbeing. 

Guest veterans join the Chelsea Pensioners for a summer picnic in Ranelagh Gardens

Yesterday, we welcomed over 100 guests from the Armed Forces community to the Royal Hospital Chelsea for our Chelsea Pensioners Veterans’ Outreach picnic.