First-time half marathon runner Ceri Meehan. Photo: RAF Benevolent Fund
There are no half measures for RAF Benevolent Fund supporter Ceri Meehan, especially when she’s aiming to ‘give something back’ to the charity which has supported her family.
The 31-year-old is planning to run her very first road race, a half marathon distance, in tribute to the help the RAF’s leading welfare charity gave to her late grandmother Leading Aircraftswoman Edna Lacey. Edna lost her leg to bone cancer shortly after leaving the RAF following service during the Second World War. But she did not need to use a wheelchair until a second battle with cancer affected her mobility.
Ceri, who works for Natural England, explained: “The help the RAF Benevolent Fund gave to my Nan made such a difference to her life. She had always been very independent through everything so to be able to stay in her own home was massive.
“The Fund installed ramps so she was still able to get out and about and do every day things like her shopping. It means a lot to me to be able to give something back, the RAF meant a lot to my family.”
Both Edna’s brother, Wg Cdr Frank Jolliffe, and sister-in-law, Flt Lt Patricia Jolliffe, also served in the RAF, having met during their service in the Second World War. Frank enjoyed a long career in the service, spending time as a navigator among other things.
Sadly all three of Ceri’s relatives passed away in the last two years. She said: “Supporting the RAF Benevolent Fund is a way to pay tribute to all three of them. The RAF was an important part of all of their lives.”
Ceri, who lives in Oswestry, will take on the challenge of Lake Vyrnwy Half Marathon on September 10. It is a place she knows well, having visited as a teenager with her grandmother. She aims to raise £250 for the Fund and will be supported by her partner John Thornton, who will run with her.
Mark Quinn, RAF Benevolent Fund Regional Director, said: “Stories like Ceri’s are what inspires us to carry out the work we do, supporting every member of the RAF Family. Installing ramps to enable a disabled veteran to continue living independently is just one of the ways we can help those who have served enjoy a long and dignified retirement.”
To support Ceri visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ceri-meehan
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For more information and high res images please contact:
Rebekah Sharrock, PR Officer, RAF Benevolent Fund
E: rebekah.sharrock@rafbf.org.uk | T:020 7307 335 | M: 07885 466198.
RAF Benevolent Fund: The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is the RAF’s leading welfare charity. We exist to support current and former members of the RAF, their partners and dependants, whenever they need us. In 2016 we spent £17.6m supporting more than 65,000 member of the RAF Family. For more information visit: www.rafbf.org Twitter: https://twitter.com/RAFBF
