Marking Armed Forces Day 2023

To mark Armed Forces Day on 24 June, we would like to take this opportunity to highlight the important work of the UK Armed Forces, in particular the RAF, hearing from serving personnel, Air Cadets, veterans, and RAF reservists about their experiences as part of the RAF Family and how the Fund has supported them.

Flight Sergeant Sam Parsley's role in the RAF involves running four component bays producing replacement parts for the Chinook aircraft. When Sam started experiencing mental health problems, he was referred to the Fund's Wellbeing Services who arranged counselling to support him.

Sam said: "In 2021, a perfect storm developed in my life. I was worrying about lots of things at once, including whether to leave the RAF or go for a promotion where I would have to move and leave my children. Then something just tripped, and I had a bit of a breakdown." 

Sam added: "I was referred to the Fund for cognitive behavioural therapy and it was through this that I was given tools to recognise when I've got too much on my plate, so it doesn’t get to that stage again. Eventually, I got a grip of it. I was able to wake up without feeling I was fighting for my life. I was able to take all my problems and, one at a time, dissect them and solve them."

He said: "If somebody were thinking about applying to the Fund for help, I would say do it – that's what it’s there for! I would like to personally thank the RAF Benevolent Fund for the work they did with myself, as well as the ongoing work they do with current service members, veterans, and their families."

Fund Ambassador Joanna Martin was training for deployment in her role as an RAF Reserve nurse at RAF Leuchars, when a training exercise left her with severe back injuries. 

Joanna said: "My spinal cord was severed, leaving me with no feeling or movement from my chest down. I had nine months of rehabilitation in a hospital spinal unit and was left unable to walk and in a wheelchair, although with full use of my arms.

"I couldn't go back to live in my house and the RAF Benevolent Fund very kindly funded most of the renovation costs of an old bungalow for me, creating a wet room, adapting a kitchen, providing new windows, central heating, ramps… Without all these features in place, I wouldn’t have been able to live independently." 

She added: "I was just blown away by the amount of help I was given. As a squadron we had done various fundraising activities for the charity, but I hadn't appreciated the scope of the help that they can provide."

RAF veteran Leroy Francis, who was a weapons systems engineer for 28 years, struggled for months following a multiple sclerosis relapse which left him with severe weakness down the right-hand side of his body, seriously affecting his mobility, and leaving him unable to work. 

Leroy said: "I knew who the Fund were, from my service days, but I didn't know they could help me. They were quite amazing with everything. They put in a stairlift and assisted in the conversion of my bathroom into a wet room, provided a recliner armchair, new double bed, and support with my care needs. It has made a huge difference to my life."

He added: "It was really terrible before the Fund stepped in to help. The Fund's support has given me that independence, that ability to have some kind of normal life and focus on getting myself where I need to be."

The RAF Air Cadets are a team of volunteers supporting UK squadrons with admin, training, and wellbeing. Cadet Flight Sergeant, William Tano of the 282 East Ham Squadron shared his views of Armed Forces Day. William said: "Armed Forces Day is a day for me to thank all those that have served and continue to serve in our armed forces, but also to say thanks and remember all those that gave their lives for our way of life. I am always proud to wear my uniform, knowing what it stands for and represents."

Cadet Corporal, Lindsay Koomson, of the 282 East Ham Squadron said: "Armed Forces Day for me is a moment for me to reflect on all the amazing work carried out by our armed forces. I always feel a sense of pride when I am undertaking cadet duties and wearing our uniform. I joined the Air Cadets to better myself and make new friends – friends who share a common interest. I love it!" 

Armed Forces Day is a great occasion to remind all in our RAF Family, those who have served, are serving, and their families, that the RAF Benevolent Fund is here to support them in their time of need; whether that be with practical, emotional, or financial support, we are here to help as we have been for over one hundred years.

You can find out more about how the Fund can help you, and request support here.