Shortlist announced for annual RAF Benevolent Fund awards

The RAF Benevolent Fund has announced the shortlisted nominees for its fourth annual awards. The winners of nine awards categories will be revealed at a special ceremony at London's Victory Services Club on Thursday, April 14.

Air Marshal Chris Nickols, Controller of the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: "The RAF Benevolent Fund simply could not carry out the vital work that we do, supporting the RAF family, without the help of our incredible supporters.

"Each year it gets harder and harder to decide on the winners of these awards and that is a testament to the hard work, dedication and creativity with which our supporters contribute to the Fund and its work.

"Our annual awards ceremony allows the Fund the opportunity to showcase that support and also show our fundraisers how their time and donations make a difference to the lives of our beneficiaries, RAF personnel past and present."

Nominations were open to the public via the charity's website and the shortlist was carefully chosen by a panel of expert judges.

Nominees (in no particular order):
Welfare Caseworker of the Year Award: Cheryl Booth (SSAFA Oxfordshire), Stuart Carvell (RAFA North East), Michelle Turner-Everett (SSAFA Southend and Rochford)
Airplay Youth Worker of the Year Award: Mark Davis (Area Youth Work Coordinator – West), Lauren Baxendale (RAF Shawbury), Hayley Phillips (RAF Brize Norton)
Air Training Corps Squadron of the Year Award: 2531 (Burnham on Crouch), 1827 (Odiham), 141 (Boston)
Above & Beyond Award: Wing Commander Jon Nixon, Peter Spowage, Corporal Ray Casson     
Fundraising Team of the Year Award: No. 2 MT Squadron, Team RAFBF Lossiemouth, April Fools Club
RAF Station of the Year Award: RAF Brize Norton, RAF Benson, RAF Northolt, RAF Lossiemouth    
Cause-Related Marketing Activity of the Year Award: Tregothnan, Breitling, MBI         
Outstanding Support Award: Shepherd Neame, BAE Systems, Duncan Barber /AMSS
Corporate Social Responsibility Award: Barclays, Thales, ISS