RAF Brize Norton personnel pull 47,000kg aircraft for charity
Published:
Categories:
On Tuesday 5 April, service personnel from RAF Brize Norton competed to pull a C130J Hercules aircraft 100 metres. The fundraisers pulled the 47,000kg aircraft in teams of 20 using nothing more than a rope and determination to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity, and the RAF Association (RAFA).
The gruelling challenge was the brainchild of Senior Aircraftman Henry Cook (27), an Air and Space Operations Specialist who has been in the RAF for six and a half years, and Flight Lieutenant Ben Slaughter (37), an Ops Officer, of 47 Squadron.
Henry said: "We wanted to do something exciting to celebrate the final serving year of the C130J, and thought it would be a great opportunity to raise some money for two important charities that support RAF personnel and their families. I’ve also benefitted from the RAF Benevolent Fund’s Listening and Counselling service in the past, which really helped me out with stress.”
You can support the team by donating to their fundraising page: justgiving.com/donatenowatjustgivinghercuescharitypull.
Ben added: "This challenge will be a great way to bring personnel together while commemorating the outstanding service of the Royal Air Force's longest serving Air Transport aircraft, the C130J Hercules.
Speaking after the event, RAF Brize Norton Station Commander, Group Captain Emily Flynn, praised the teams for their energetic performances in what was a challenging and fun event, which she now intends to incorporate into the annual Station Commanders Challenge Cup."
Neil Tomlin, Area Director for the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: "This has been a tremendous and really well-supported event! It's seen both RAF charities working together to raise money to support RAF personnel and their families.
"We are immensely grateful to all those who organised and took part in the charity pull and for their good humour throughout the day. The money raised will help us in supporting those members of the RAF Family in need, and we look forward to continuing to support RAF Brize Norton personnel in the future."
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.