RAF Rugby Union Women's team completes 12-hour fitness challenge for charity

The RAF Rugby Union Women's team recently completed a 12-hour virtual fitness challenge in aid of the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF's leading welfare charity.

Starting at 8am and finishing and 8pm on 30 November, the challenge saw the players complete 12 different workouts over the course of the day. The event, which raised more than £1,600, took place via Zoom so the team could safely comply with social distancing guidance.

Flt Lt Lou Langton, who is based at RAF(U) Swanwick, said: "The day was a great test, both physically and mentally. At times I wanted to give up, but the support from everyone else taking part and the end goal got me through it. Looking back, it was a huge achievement – if I can complete nearly 400 burpees in amongst 12 hours of exercise, I can do anything!

"The RAF Benevolent Fund is integral to the Royal Air Force, and as a Welfare Officer I have seen first-hand the opportunities and support the Fund can provide. Raising money to ensure that the charity remains sustainable will always be a 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, free memberships for Headspace, Airplay youth clubs, and more.

Charlotte Barmby, Regional Fundraiser at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: "It was fantastic to see the RAF Rugby Union Women's team come together to complete this virtual fundraising challenge. The 12-hour challenge was physically gruelling and Sgt Ben Brook, who was leading the team, kept everyone motivated from start to finish. The team’s support is so valuable and will help the Fund continue supporting the whole of the RAF Family, whenever they may need us."

The RAF Benevolent Fund has launched a range of welfare initiatives to support personnel and their families through the Covid-19 pandemic. It introduced a 24-hour emotional support helpline, created an online mental wellbeing zone, and began offering Headspace memberships to RAF partners and spouses. The Fund has also offered a £2,500 grant to each RAF station to provide activity and wellbeing packs for RAF children and launched Airplay Connect, an online version of its youth support service.