News

10 May 2018

Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund

RAF, Remembrance, Royal Air Force, Veterans

RAF charity helps veteran’s Spitfire dreams come true

The 76-year-old was overwhelmed by the lengths the RAF’s leading welfare charity went to, to fulfil his dying wish after he contacted them for practical help following a terminal cancer diagnosis. He was watched by his entire family, siblings, his three children, eight grandchildren including one watching online from Taiwan, and two new great-grandsons as staff at Biggin Hill Heritage Hanger helped him into the aircraft. Even Spitfire pilot Don Sigournay paid his own respects, dipping the wings of his Spitfire in tribute to John’s service as he flew past the hangar.

John’s daughter Tracy Weager said: “When I first told dad ‘get your flying jacket cleaned, we’re going to Biggin Hill’ he burst into tears.

3 May 2018

Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund

Children, Education, Families, RAF, Royal Air Force, Welfare

‘Unique’ wellbeing books aimed at RAF youngsters launched at RAF Benson

A new series of books aimed at improving the mental health of the RAF Family has been launched at RAF Benson Community Primary School by the RAF’s leading welfare charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund.

The Fund is piloting the books in response to research which found more than half of military parents believed a military lifestyle had a negative impact on their children and led to an increase in psychosocial problems.

30 April 2018

Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund

Challenge, fundraising, RAF, Royal Air Force, Support, Veterans, Welfare

Luke crowned People’s Choice winner at Soldiering On Awards

RAF veteran and Invictus athlete Luke Delahunty has been crowned this year’s People’s Choice award winner at the Soldiering On Awards. Luke was announced as this year’s winner at the special event held in London which recognises the achievements of those who have served their country and the diverse people and groups who work in support of the Armed Forces community.

The RAF’s leading welfare charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund, who has supported Luke for more than 22 years, nominated him for this prestigious award in light of his outstanding contribution to other spinal injury victims.

19 April 2018

Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund

Anniversary, Centenary, Challenge, fundraising, RAF, Remembrance, Royal Air Force, Sport

RAF Triathlon team of six conquer 106 miles with RAF100 baton

Tide, hills and 106 miles were overcome by a team of six RAF triathletes to deliver the RAF100 baton to the RAF Benevolent Fund’s Princess Marina House on Sunday.

The stop was the latest in the 100-day relay which sees the commemorative baton travel around the country, visiting RAF stations and memorials on a mission to celebrate, commemorate and inspire the next generation.

11 April 2018

Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund

Anniversary, Case study, Centenary, RAF, Remembrance, Royal Air Force

‘My grandfather recognised the responsibility we have to care for the RAF Family’

My grandfather, Hugh Trenchard, the first Viscount Trenchard, often called the Founder of the RAF, became its first Chief of the Air Staff on its formation on April 1 1918.

The new service was revolutionary: it sought its officers and men from all backgrounds, with my grandfather wanting the very finest people for the fledgling force, whether they were the sons of dukes or dustmen. It was not their background that was important, it was their ability.

5 April 2018

Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund

Benevolence, Events, fundraising, RAF, Royal Air Force, Veterans, Welfare

Test your aviation knowledge with the devilishly difficult RAF100 quiz

So you think you know the RAF? All 100 years of history? Think again!

For example, did you know the Spitfire was first named something rather less intimidating? Or do you know what the code word angels refers to?

The RAF Benevolent Fund has launched a RAF100 quiz, featuring questions to test even the most knowledgeable aviation experts with multiple choice and true or false questions. Those who pass the test and answer all the questions correctly are given the opportunity to download one of a series of special edition commemorative posters.

5 April 2018

Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund

Challenge, fundraising, RAF, Royal Air Force, Sport

18 countries, 374 hours and seven pairs of trainers later, RAF Corporal completes centenary challenge

Today, marathon man Corporal Jon Ward has completed his 100th official marathon in Gravesend, Kent, to mark the Royal Air Force centenary and support the RAF’s leading welfare charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Since his challenge began, Jon, who is based at RAF Lossiemouth, has gone through seven pairs of trainers, racked up more than 374 hours of race running in 18 different countries and shaved more than two hours off his finish time.

5 April 2018

Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund

RAF, Remembrance, Royal Air Force, WW2

WWII ace performs victory roll in Spitfire to mark centenary of the Royal Air Force

A Vic-formation of two Spitfires and a Hurricane returned to the skies over London on 1 April to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force. Among the pilots taking off from Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar, was Second World War Spitfire pilot Allan Scott, watched by another former RAF Second World War Spitfire pilot, Mary Ellis.

Known as a flying ace, 96-year-old Squadron Leader Allan Scott DFM returned to Biggin Hill, where he was posted in 1941 aged just 19 with 124 Squadron.

27 March 2018

Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund

Benevolence, RAF, Royal Air Force, Support, Veterans, Welfare

Carers need not feel alone – the RAF Benevolent Fund is by their side

Carers who are part of the RAF Family now have a dedicated support package – thanks to the RAF Benevolent Fund.

The RAF’s leading welfare charity has launched the new service to reach out to unpaid carers who are looking after loved ones and may not realise that help is out there.

The package aims to provide respite, financial and practical support and includes the introduction of new welfare initiatives.

27 March 2018

Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund

Benevolence, RAF, Royal Air Force, Support, Veterans, Welfare

A lasting legacy – a major appeal launched as part of RAF100

A major fundraising appeal has been launched by the Royal Air Force and its four main charities as part of the Royal Air Force’s centenary.

2018 marks the centenary of the Royal Air Force, and to celebrate there are a number of events taking place across the country, and abroad. Events include a touring display of aircraft from the past century in cities nationwide to a mass flypast in London, 100-day baton relay and the unveiling of new galleries at the RAF Museum.

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