PONN Abigail Wright
PONN Abigail Wright was born in Nottingham, where she completed a BSc in Psychology at Nottingham Trent University. Later pursuing a MSc in Graduate Entry Nursing at the University of Nottingham, before beginning her career as a Mental Health Nurse she worked in a low secure hospital working with people who were diagnosed with a clinical mental illness.
PONN Wright, since joining the Royal Navy Mental Health in 2020, has undertaken a vast array of roles spanning the full PREVENT/PROMOTE/TREAT domains. She is the only nurse in the Mental Health cadre to have experience in working within all operational areas in which we deliver a capability; maritime, sub surface and land commitments with the Royal Marines.
Abigail has received multiple accolades in recognition of her contribution to the Royal Navy’s mental health services, including the Ruth Carter Prize in 2024. She was subsequently nominated for, and awarded, the Outstanding Contribution award for her work supporting the mental wellbeing of Submariners and was named Woman of the Year 2025 at the Women in Defence Awards. Alongside her advocacy for enhanced mental health provision, Abigail is a committed champion for women in the Royal Navy, using her role within the Naval Servicewomen’s Network (NSN) to improve the lived experience of women across the Service. She previously served as the NSN geographical lead at HMNB Clyde and now holds the position of Co‑Secretary.