The RAF Benevolent Fund is thrilled to have received a generous £20,000 donation from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
The Tattoo has been a massive support to the Fund over the years, providing £1.26 million in grants in total, enabling the Fund to continue its work supporting RAF personnel, veterans and their families living in Scotland.
One person who has benefitted from this support is former RAF dog handler Mick McConnell, who lives in Moray, Scotland. Mick’s foot was shattered when he stepped on an IED in 2011, which eventually led to its amputation after two years of painful rehabilitation. Since then, the RAF Benevolent Fund has been by his side, helping him to buy a house which enabled Mick and his wife Lorna to move closer to family.
Mick said:
“After we contacted the RAF Benevolent Fund, life just started getting better from then on. They supported us through the process of purchasing a house, which was a great relief and allowed me to place my wife in a position where she was supported from when I was having my rehab. I’d like to say a big thank you to those who have supported the Fund, including the Tattoo.”
Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot, Chief Executive at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said:
“We are grateful for the ongoing support provided by The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which has helped to positively change the lives of RAF personnel, veterans, and their families living in Scotland. We look forward to continuing our longstanding relationship with the Tattoo and helping more members of the RAF Family in need.”
Jason Barrett, Chief Operating Officer of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said:
“As a charitable organisation we’re committed to continue to support military charities like the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund and the great work they do. The Tattoo’s reach is far beyond our annual show, and it is a great privilege to be able to support such impactful projects that make a real difference to people. We’re very much looking forward to continuing our relationship with the Fund.”
The Tattoo is a huge immersive event held annually during August as part of the wider Edinburgh Festival and will take place between 4-26 August 2023.
As well as the RAF Benevolent Fund, the Tattoo also supports the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, ABF The Soldier’s Charity, and arts charities within the UK.
The RAF Benevolent Fund provides financial, emotional, and practical assistance to serving and retired RAF personnel and their families. This includes grants to help with financial difficulty, free memberships for Headspace, Airplay youth clubs, and more.
