The RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity, is proud to welcome a new cohort of ambassadors to its growing ambassador programme for 2025.
This year, nine new ambassadors from across the UK join the existing programme, each bringing personal experiences of how the Fund has supported them – through practical, financial, or emotional assistance. From veterans rebuilding their lives after service, to families overcoming personal challenges, their stories highlight the life-changing impact of the Fund’s work.
Among them is the programme’s youngest new ambassador, Natalie Evans, who grew up in an RAF family and once attended the Fund’s Airplay youth programme of which she now volunteers as an Airplay Youth Worker. RAF veteran John Wright is a new ambassador in Scotland and has been supported for 16 years with financial grants and housing adaptations to meet the changing needs of his disabled son. Another ambassador is RAF serviceman Neil Robinson, who received counselling support whilst deployed overseas to help him cope with being away from his partner and young child.
The Fund’s new ambassadors are:
- Former RAF Policewoman Ann Hughes, 54
- Former RAF Painter and Finisher Andrew Stevens, 43
- Former IT Engineer John Wright, 54
- RAF Regiment veteran Luke Delahunty, 52
- Volunteer Airplay Youth Worker Natalie Evans, 21
- Former Senior Aircraft Technician Neil Fellingham, 36
- Corporal Neil Robinson, 37
- Corporal Rob Taylor, 43
- Former Senior Aircraftwoman Stacey Mitchell, 31
The group will represent the Fund at community events, engage with the public and stakeholders, and share their lived experiences to raise awareness of the Fund’s mission, to ensure that no member of the RAF Family faces adversity alone.
Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot, CEO of the RAF Benevolent, said:
“We are proud to welcome our new cohort of ambassadors, who each bring a powerful combination of lived experience and deep understanding of the RAF Family. Having served themselves and benefitted from our support, they offer an authentic voice and a unique perspective. Their stories inspire connection, raise awareness, and remind us of the enduring strength and resilience within our community. We are honoured to have them as part of our amazing Fund team.”
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, mental health support, Airplay youth clubs, and more.
