Flt Lt Chris Wilce on what the Fund means to the RAF Falcons

This year the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team celebrate their 60th anniversary. With the RAF Benevolent Fund at the heart of what they do, Flt Lt Chris Wilce explains why the charity means so much.

I was appointed Officer Commanding just as the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic was really starting to take hold. As plans and events across the nations were being cancelled, myself and the team knew that many charities were going to suffer.

The Falcons are proud and long-standing supporters of the RAF Benevolent Fund so we wanted to do what we could to continue raising awareness and vital funds.

Last summer, the Falcons swapped freefalling for free running in support of the Fund’s Battle of Britain 80 commemorations and to recognise The Hardest Day. The team pulled together to run the 85-mile distance between London's Battle of Britain Monument and the Memorial at Capel-le-Ferne. It was quite a feat but an incredibly fitting way to pay respect to those that gave their lives 80 years ago.

Team member Sgt Doug McAll also took it upon himself to run 600km over six months for the Fund – a nod to our 60th anniversary and another great chance to raise the profile of the charity. He, like all of us on the team, understand and appreciate the important support the Fund provides to RAF personnel and their families in times of need.

This year the team are looking forward to highlighting the Fund's work when we're out and about at events. Our milestone anniversary gives us a great platform to talk about the support they give to the RAF Family, as they have been doing for the past 100 years. It's so important that serving personnel know that the Fund exists to support them – practically, financially and emotionally – and for wider supporters to be aware of the charity’s dedication to the RAF.

As an RAF Falcon it is an honour to support the RAF Benevolent Fund. We've seen some great successes over the last 12 months and look forward building on our relationship over the year.

By Flt Lt Chris Wilce