Fund and RAF Stations share festive cheer with veterans this Christmas

Throughout December, RAF stations have celebrated the festive season with a host of Christmas lunches, activities, and hamper deliveries to veterans, supported by the RAF Benevolent Fund.

The Fund awarded 24 grants of up to £500, as per each station’s request, for stations to host Christmas dinners and deliver festive hampers to veterans.

RAF Henlow hosted their veteran’s Christmas lunch for over 90 veterans, with helpers from the Whole Force volunteering to serve the meals.

Gill Hazelton who attended the event at RAF Henlow said: “A huge thank you from our Veteran’s Hub for the brilliant hospitality we received at our Christmas lunch. All of the friendly volunteers worked so hard to make it such a special event for all in attendance.”

RAF Spadeadam gifted Christmas hampers to local veterans in Carlisle, Longtown and Hexham, delivered to their homes by uniformed personnel.

RAF veteran Jim Henderson, who received a hamper, said: “My wife has recently fallen and broken her ribs and hasn’t been able to get out, so she has missed so many events leading up to this Christmas like the Carol Service. Being remembered and given such a thoughtful gift is really kind, thank you very much.”

RAF Cosford hosted a Christmas lunch and activities for 70 local RAF veterans from the Shropshire area.

Jean Hartshorne, Community Development Officer at RAF Cosford, said: “This year’s event proved extremely successful due to integrating the veteran’s Christmas dinner with the families and junior ranks’ Christmas Fayre, providing a plethora of activities for all to enjoy. This included a caricaturist, stalls, mulled wine and even a visit from a herd of llamas. We are forever grateful to the RAF Benevolent Fund for their unwavering support to the RAF Family.”

Irene Greenwood, External Grants Programmes Manager at the Fund, said: “Christmas can be a difficult time for some members of the RAF Family, particularly those who struggle with loneliness and social isolation, so we’re delighted to have provided to the veterans a Christmas lunch and festive hampers. This seemingly small gesture reminds them that they are not forgotten and are part of a bigger RAF Family."