RAF Typhoon Display Team flies high in support of RAF Benevolent Fund

The RAF Benevolent Fund is delighted to be chosen as one of the RAF Typhoon Display Team's charities of the year.

RAF families, serving personnel and veterans will benefit from extra support this year, thanks to the backing of the RAF Typhoon Display Team.

Despite the hurdles presented by Covid-19, the team hopes to carry out a spectacular display season this summer across the UK, where members will raise awareness of the Fund and encourage donations from aviation fans. 

Flight Lieutenant James Saintly, the 2021 Typhoon display pilot, said: "We're delighted to be able to raise funds and awareness for a charity that is close to the hearts of so many of us here at RAF Coningsby.

"Despite a tricky year, we're looking forward to getting back out there and flying the Fund flag, raising vital funds and spreading awareness of such an important charity. I've seen myself how the Fund can change lives for the better with their support – be that financial, practical or emotional. Sometimes serving personnel might not know how the Fund can help, nor if they'll ever need support, so to keep the charity at the front of everyone's minds is really important."

Regional Fundraiser Lisa Hunt said: "On behalf of all of us here at the RAF Benevolent Fund, I’m thrilled to have the support of the RAF Typhoon Display Team this year. I've had the pleasure of seeing the team display at air shows over the years, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who cannot wait to see them grace the skies once more and generate some much missed excitement from the aviation fans. The impacts of the recent pandemic are still apparent, and the Fund has weathered many challenges – all of which makes support from the team so significant."

More than £770,000 of support from the Fund has been given to RAF Coningsby, over the last two years alone. This includes the refurbishment of the station's play parks, paediatric first aid courses and enhancements to the cinema club.

Last year in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the RAF Benevolent Fund introduced a 24-hour emotional support helpline and created an online mental wellbeing zone, as well as offering Headspace memberships to partners of serving personnel. The Fund has also offered a grant of £2,500 to each RAF station to provide an activity and wellbeing pack for RAF children and launched Airplay Connect, an online version of its youth support service.