612 Medical Reserve Squadron walk, run and cycle 612 miles for RAF Benevolent Fund

612 Medical Reserve Squadron, based at Leuchars Station in Fife, is bouncing back from lockdown by planning a fundraising challenge in aid of the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF's leading welfare charity.

Event organiser Squadron Leader John Carolan-Cullion said: "It has been a tough time for our medical reservists who have been working tremendously hard fighting the pandemic since day one. This event is a fantastic opportunity to re-connect as a squadron while celebrating the wonderful work of the RAF Benevolent Fund.

"The challenge will allow friends and families to enjoy the great outdoors whilst raising worthy donations. It does not matter if you are eight or 80, a park walker or triathlete, everyone can walk, run or cycle a few miles toward our 612-mile total."

The RAF Benevolent Fund provides financial, practical and emotional support to the whole of the RAF Family, both serving or former, as well as their partners and dependants.

In 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the RAF Benevolent Fund introduced a 24-hour emotional support helpline and created an online mental wellbeing zone, as well as offering Headspace memberships to partners of serving personnel. The Fund has also offered a grant of £2,500 to each RAF station to provide an activity and wellbeing pack for children and young people.

In addition to this, the Fund launched Check and Chat calls for the most vulnerable veterans who are lonely and isolated, expanded its Telephone Friendship Groups and delivered a box of festive goodies at Christmas.

Michelle Jeffcott, Regional Fundraiser at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: "It's an absolute pleasure to see 612 Squadron organising this fundraising challenge as lockdown measures begin to ease in Scotland. This event is a fantastic way for the squadron to bond, work on their fitness, and raise money that will help support the RAF Family for the foreseeable future. On behalf of everyone here at the Fund, thank you to all of 612 Squadron for their steadfast support."