RAF personnel and Fund supporters take on challenge to commemorate the beloved C-130 Hercules

To commemorate the closure of No. 47 Squadron, home of the beloved C-130 Hercules, members of the squadron and fellow supporters are taking part in a 130-mile challenge on behalf of the RAF Benevolent Fund.

The C130 Challenge is a virtual event that consists of either running, walking, or cycling 130 miles in 47 days to raise money for the Fund.  

Participants can track miles completed by linking their activity on the Strava app with their fundraising Enthuse page, or by simply manually entering the miles clocked. 

On 8 June 2023, No. 47 Squadron held its disbandment parade at RAF Brize Norton, in a service led by the Princess Royal, ahead of its official stand down on 30 June 2023 due to the retirement of the Hercules.

The C-130 fleet has been an integral part of air power for the RAF for nearly six decades, contributing to nearly every British conflict since it was brought into service in the 1960’s, providing airlift/airdrop capabilities and having the flexibility to operate in austere areas around the world. 

Flt Lt Lewis Hill is the last engineering officer on No. 47 Squadron and currently overseeing the Engineering drawdown requirements until a new posting in September. He said: "It is very sad to see the iconic Hercules go out of service and the closing of the No. 47 Squadron. The squadron has an illustrious 107-year history, with 55 years of those operating the C-130. 

"I am genuinely proud to have served on the squadron that has always achieved so much. I just hope when the squadron stands back up in the future it can carry on this tradition."

Lewis has signed up for the challenge alongside other members of the squadron. He said: “After a busy tour on squadron and not always exercising as much I would have liked to; the challenge is spurring me on to get bet into a regular pattern of exercise.”

Speaking on the decision to hold the C130 challenge, Lewis stated: As the chairperson for the RAF Benevolent Fund fundraising team at RAF Brize Norton, I have helped organise and setup the challenge to raise money for the Fund, whilst linking it to the historic occasion of the C130 going out of service. It was a great idea by Air Specialist Class 1, Neil Robinson."

Lewis has worked on the Hercules over his 21 years in the RAF. He said: “I have found the Hercules to be a great aircraft to work on that always performs when you need it too on ops or back in the UK, with surprisingly impressive serviceability in comparison to other aircraft I have worked on. However, this would not happen without being surrounded by individuals who fervently want to achieve and work so well as a team to do so.”

Lewis' family have benefitted from the services available at the Fund. Lewis’ wife conducted a few of the Fund’s online personal development sessions that have helped her through the vigour’s of being married to a serving individual. Their children have taken part in events organised by the Fund such as the Airplay Residential Breaks for military children.

Lewis expressed: "I feel the RAF Benevolent Fund is the number one RAF charity that is always there in the background supporting everyone. Over the last three years, many of my squadron members have needed support and the RAF often points them in the direction of the Fund’s welfare services, specifically for mental health related issues. 

"This shows the trust in the support from the Fund, and I feel those in the RAF should do their best to help give a little back for the charity when they can, as it is always there whenever we may need it."

You can sign up to take part in the C130 Challenge here.

For information about the support the RAF Benevolent Fund provides to serving personnel, veterans and their families, or to request support for yourself or somebody you know, visit the website here.