The Fund partners with BT Openreach to transform RAF veteran’s garden

RAF veteran Richard Thompson has recently received a garden makeover with thanks to the team at BT Openreach, in partnership with the RAF Benevolent Fund.

RAF veteran Richard, 35, known as Tommo to many, served for eight years and retired in 2016. During his time in the RAF, Richard was deployed to Afghanistan as an Armourer. Unfortunately, Richard was medically discharged from the RAF after suffering a head injury. 

Following his service, Richard joined the Fund as a Loans Administrator. It was then discovered he had a brain tumour for which he has had many operations and is now diagnosed with a condition called oligodendroglia which means he suffers from regular seizures. 

Due to family relationships breaking down, Richard moved into a nursing home as he needed round the clock care. Richard was referred to the Fund via a friend who is a serving Wing Commander and the Chairman of the Ashford Royal British Legion branch. 

The Fund’s advocacy team stepped in to secure Richard a care package and social housing to allow him to live an independent life. Richard moved into new accommodation in 2022 providing him with a place to call home. Richard was supported by the Fund’s benefits team to ensure he received everything he was eligible for.

It was also identified that Richard was socially isolated and lonely; he has been supported by the Fund to make local connections, consequently finding comradeship through the Ashford Branch of the Royal British Legion. Richard now attends a local breakfast club with other veterans who provide support to help him attend local events and activities. 

In 2023, Richard attended the Fund’s Group Friendship Break in Hayling Island, which is something he never expected would be possible for him due to his disabilities. 

He was introduced to BT Openreach through Richard’s Community Engagement Worker at the Fund and has taken part in community projects, alongside members of staff who take the time to volunteer and support local individuals. 

Due to Richard’s love of wildflowers, bees and being outdoors, a request was made for BT Openreach to give his garden a makeover.

On 12 September 2023, four gardeners visited Richard to transform his garden. The transformation will now enable Richard to enjoy his garden accessibly.

Reflecting on the transformation, Richard said: "It was an amazing experience; it is shocking and overall stunning what they have achieved in my garden. I am overwhelmed by the kindness of the volunteers and the collaborative partnership has been a joy to be part of."

You can find out more about the support available from the Fund here.