Armed Forces Week: How the Fund has supported the RAF Family over the last century

To mark Armed Forces Week, we're highlighting how we have been there for serving personnel, veterans and their families over the last century, and continue to provide vital support today.

The late Doug Vince – Second World War - 1944

Guinea Pig Club member Doug Vince was 22 when his Stirling Bomber was shot down by a German aircraft in 1944. He suffered extensive burns when he freed himself from the wreckage and was subsequently treated at East Grinstead Hospital by Sir Archibald McIndoe. The following year, Doug found himself in financial difficulty, as he, his wife and newborn son faced eviction from their home.

We stepped in and were able to support Doug and his family with £200 towards a house deposit. Doug sadly passed away in February 2022 aged 98. Read more about Doug’s story here.

Ian Christie-Miller – 1963

18 October 1963 is a date that is ingrained in former RAF Search and Rescue pilot Ian Christie-Miller's memory forever. It is the day he survived a forced landing in a Gnat at RAF Sealand, while flying from RAF Valley. Recovery was long for Ian, who was left with a shortened left leg and screws in his right leg. He also experienced an infection to his wound and had more than ten operations.

We were there to support Ian and his family, contributing towards housing costs and help with funding the education of his children. Ian said: "The Fund did so much to support me, my wife and our two children. We remain deeply grateful." Check out Ian’s story here.

Falklands veteran Andrew Harrop - 1988

Falklands war veteran Andrew (Harry) Harrop left the Royal Air Force in 1988 when he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. We have been by his side ever since, helping him through his discharge and purchasing a moveable electric bed, a powered wheelchair, standing sling and holidays in the UK.

“Without the Fund, I would feel totally lost and alone, and my quality of life as it is now would not exist. Before the Fund's support, I did not realise the extent to which they would offer help.” Andrew’s story is available to read here.

Jacqui Thompson - 2008

Jacqui's husband Gary Thompson, a reservist with the RAF Regiment, was killed in Afghanistan in 2008 when his vehicle was hit by a landmine.

The couple have five girls, and when Gary was killed, we stepped in immediately with a financial grant to make sure they weren’t in difficulty during the turmoil. It reassured Jacqui that she wouldn't face losing their home and would be able to support their daughters.

Jacqui said: "I cannot put into words how much we love and miss him. The RAF Benevolent Fund told me how they could help, and I knew then that we wouldn’t face losing our home and I would be able to support our daughter, Jordan, through university.” Read more about how we helped Jacqui here.

Lance Corporal Shameem Kabir – 2023

Posted with King’s Colour Squadron providing ceremonial support and managing a team of 30 personnel, Lance Corporal Shameem Kabir loved his career in the RAF. However, with his wife on maternity leave with their second child and expensive transport costs for work, the family found themselves in debt. Unsure of what to do, Kabir applied for a one-off financial grant us, which helped the couple get back on their feet.  

"We bought a much-needed buggy and household food, and also paid off our gas bill. Before the money was transferred, I had £12 left in my account. It meant so much and made a huge difference to our lives. It provided the headspace to rearrange our finances and restart, enabling us to positively plan for the future." Learn more about Kabir’s experience here.

Armed Forces Day is a great occasion to remind all in our RAF Family that we are here to support you in your time of need.  Whether that be with practical, emotional, or financial support, we are here to help as we have been for over 100 years. We will continue to respond to the growing demand for our services, and be there to listen, support and adapt to the changing needs of the Royal Air Force Family.