"What Disability Pride Month means to me"

To mark Disability Pride Month this July, we spoke with Fund ambassador and former parachute instructor Rob Bugden about what the awareness month means to him.

While on exercise in California in 2016, Rob Bugden was involved in a parachute accident which resulted in life-changing and career-ending injuries including a C5 spinal injury, leaving him tetraplegic.

Thankfully, the Fund has been there from the beginning for Rob, including funding travel costs for his family when Rob was hospitalised in America following his accident. The Fund then helped towards a much needed respite break for Rob upon his return to the UK, and funded a fully adapted home which he has been living in for the last five years.  

Rob said of his support: "Trying to put what the Fund does for the RAF into words is really difficult. The Fund is incredible, whenever we need it, it is there and without it thousands of people would not be able to live their lives like they do. Without it, I would not be able to live independently."

When asked about what Disability Pride Month means to him, Rob said: "Disability Pride Month is a chance to make disabilities, regardless of what they are, more visible to the public, and to raise awareness of them. It’s also an opportunity to highlight that, just because you’re physically disabled, doesn’t mean you can’t achieve the things you want to.

"It’s important to promote visibility and awareness of those with disabilities so we can realise that just because someone is disabled, doesn’t mean they’re any less able or sharp of mind. Also, by raising awareness, regardless of the disability, we can help people cope with and manage them better, improve their lives and potentially find cures. Who knows, one day maybe even for a spinal cord injury."

Despite experiencing such a traumatic ordeal, Rob lives his life to the full – in 2023, he took part in five half marathons for five charities including the Fund, raising over £8,000. He said: "My proudest moments are the half marathons I have managed to do in my wheelchair – it proves I’m still the same person I was before with my little escapades. Another thing I’m proud of is my dog – every time I go for a walk with him I realise how lucky I am!

"On top of that, I’m proud that I have the opportunity to do talks and attend events being an ambassador for the RAF Benevolent Fund, raising awareness of the support available for the RAF Family. It gives me a really good sense of purpose and a reason to get up every morning."