News

100 marathons to mark RAF centenary for Lossiemouth Corporal

On 29 June, Corporal Jon Ward will take on 11 marathons in 11 days as part of his 100 marathon challenge.

Based at RAF Lossiemouth as a Logistics Mover, Jon’s first ever marathon was back in 2007, when he took on the 26.2 mile race in London, completing it in four hours 56 minutes.

It was two years ago, however, that Jon set his sights on joining the exclusive 100 marathon club. A challenge which would pay homage to his career in the Royal Air Force as he aims to complete his last ever race on the centenary of the RAF.

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RAF Benevolent Fund Launches Bereavement Programme

4 July 2017 – The RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity, has partnered with Cruse to provide a new bereavement service for those coping with a death.

Launched this month, the confidential service provides RAF veterans, those who are serving, and family members, with free telephone, face-to-face and email support.

Many of the RAF Benevolent Fund’s beneficiaries have placed bereavement as one of the top ten difficulties they have experienced, while for beneficiaries over the age of 65, bereavement was reported within the top five difficulties.

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Need a lifeline? Phone a friend: RAF Benevolent Fund extends friendship service pilot project

The RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity, has announced the extension of its telephone friendship group service after a successful year-long pilot. The programme, open to ex-serving personnel and their dependants, connects like-minded people together over the phone, providing vital human contact that is often taken for granted.

The pilot scheme began in July 2016 using guests from the RAF Benevolent Fund’s respite home on the south coast, Princess Marina House. The trial involved three groups consisting of up to seven people per group, all of whom were over the age of 65.

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Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund Honours Outstanding Supporters at annual awards ceremony

Award winners at the RAF Benevolent Fund’s fifth annual Awards ceremony held on April 20 at the Royal College of Surgeons, London.

Last night the RAF Benevolent Fund held its annual Awards ceremony at the Royal College of Surgeons in London to celebrate and honour its supporters, donors and volunteers for their remarkable contributions.

The Awards, kindly sponsored by Lockheed Martin UK, were compered by famous voiceover artist and aviation enthusiast Peter Dickson.

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“Princess Marina House is a wonderful place”

When former rear-gunner Peter Potter was awarded the Legion d’Honneur for his involvement in the liberation of France during WW2, there was only one place he wanted to have his medal presented to him, amongst friends and peers at the RAF Benevolent Fund’s Princess Marina House.

Peter, now aged 91, joined the RAF at just 17, lying about his birthday and saying he was two years older. He began his RAF life as Warrant Officer in 1943, becoming part of Bomber Command’s 626 Squadron.

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WW2 Spitfire ace takes to the skies over London

96 year old Squadron Leader Allan Scott DFM returned to Biggin Hill earlier this month and took to the skies in a beloved Spitfire where he performed a flypast and victory roll.

Allan originally flew from Biggin Hill in 1941, towards the end of the Battle of Britain. Following his time there, he was posted to Malta, which was under siege with continual raids by the Luftwaffe and the RAF were battling against heavy odds. He flew his Spitfire off HMS Eagle to the island on 21st July 1942, where he saw much action – including a victory during Operation Pedestal on 13th August.

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RAF Benevolent Fund teams up with RFEA to offer new Wellbeing and Employment Programme

The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund has teamed up with the RFEA – The Forces Employment Charity to form a new Wellbeing and Employment Pathway, set up to support selected RAF veterans enhance their civilian life.

The voluntary scheme is focussed on beneficiaries who have been in an RAF Benevolent Fund Housing Trust property for a number of years.

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RAF Brize Norton Boxing Night Raises £1200 for the RAF Benevolent Fund

A boxing night at RAF Brize Norton has raised £1200 for the RAF Benevolent Fund.

The event, organised by Corporal John Kearns and Sergeant Anthony Lydon, with the help of the RAF Brize Norton Fire Section, saw bouts between boxers from the RAF, the Royal Navy and local boxing clubs. An auction also took place mid evening for the chance to win boxing gloves and an RAF boxing shirt signed by Tony “Bomber” Bellew the current WBC Cruiserweight Champion.

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Celebrities join RAF hero to back national fundraising campaign

RAF hero Stuart Robinson has helped launch the RAF Benevolent Fund’s national fundraiser, the Great British Sunday Lunch. The former RAF Gunner suffered life-changing injuries in 2013 when his vehicle hit an IED in Afghanistan, resulting in the loss of both his legs. He was joined at his home in Morecambe, Lancs, by the Midland Hotel’s head chef, Michael Wilson who helped him sharpen up his culinary skills and prepare a mouth-watering dish.

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Afghanistan support

In light of recent events in Afghanistan, please find information and support resources here