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Brize Norton personnel complete Fan Dance Race to raise money for RAF Benevolent Fund
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A group of five RAF servicemen have completed a gruelling 24km SAS Selection march in the Brecon Beacons to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF's leading welfare charity.
The infamous march is the world's oldest Special Forces test and is used as the first major indicator of whether a candidate has the physical and mental aptitude to complete the legendary Selection course.
The team, from RAF Brize Norton's Physical Education Flight, were led by 27-year old Sam Rawlings who organised the fundraiser. Sam completed the challenge in just 3 hours and 52 minutes, beating his target of 4 hours – the Special Forces pass time – and raised more than £500 in the process. You can show your support by donating via the team's JustGiving page.
Corporal Sam Rawlings said: "We do a lot of Loaded Marches in work with the RAF Regiment covering various distances and carrying various different weights, but I really wanted to push myself to complete this longer distance over the Brecon Beacons.
"It was tough as the conditions were horrendous on the day, but it was worth every minute of pain to raise money for this worthy cause."
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, specialist advice on benefits, support with care needs, and more.
Charlotte Barmby, RAF Benevolent Fund Regional Fundraiser, added: "We're thrilled that our supporters are focusing on fundraising for us so early in the year. The team should be seriously proud of themselves, not only for completing this epic challenge, but for raising money that will help to support the whole of the RAF Family."