Fundraisers prepare for 24-hour Hadrian's Wall Trek

On 19-20 March, a team of three fundraisers will undertake a 24-hour trek to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund. The team will be walking 100km from Newcastle Castle to Carlisle Castle along Hadrian's Wall. 

The team is being led by 25-year-old Chloe Lipton alongside her friends Aimee and Sophie. Chloe, who lives in Leuchars, previously served in the Royal Air Force as an engineering officer but was recently medically discharged.  

Chloe said: "The last few years have been extremely tough dealing with medical issues and then the news that I was being discharged from the RAF. I wanted to mark my exit in a positive way, taking something that has been a huge source of stress as an excuse to help others. I've always been impressed by the RAF Benevolent Fund's work, and I've fundraised for them previously so there was no question as to which charity I wanted to support.

"I put in an enquiry for some support from the Fund shortly after I was discharged and they have been fantastic. Within a few days I had a phone call to discuss what support they could offer and received the paperwork to set it all up the same day. If I had applied for the same help through other channels, I know this process could have taken weeks or even months, so I am beyond grateful. 

"First and foremost I'm looking forward to catching up with my friends as we haven't seen each other since before the pandemic. I’m also excited about the challenge itself as it will prove to myself what I'm capable of. I feel like this could be mentally quite tough, especially with the lack of sleep – and most likely the bad weather – but it's all about that sense of achievement at the finish line!"

So far, the team have raised nearly £1,200 of their £1,500 target. You can support the team by donating to their fundraising page: justgiving.com/hw24.

The RAF Benevolent Fund supports serving RAF personnel, veterans, and their families, when they need it most. The Fund provides financial, emotional and practical assistance to help people live with the dignity and independence they deserve.