"What Remembrance Day means to me"

The RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity, pays tribute to all those who have served this Remembrance Day and reaffirms the Fund’s commitment to the RAF Family.

But what is Remembrance about? Above all, it is the act of pausing and remembering people. It is a poignant reminder to reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of all those who served to protect the freedom we continue to benefit from today.

Naturally this makes us think about the heroism and sacrifices people made in the wartime years.

While remembering the veterans of the Second World War and their families is vital, it is also important we remember all ex and serving personnel on Remembrance Sunday and beyond, no matter where or how they served.

One such person is Horsham-based RAF Benevolent Fund Ambassador, Senior Aircraftsman Dan Pelling, whose life changed forever when he was involved in a serious hit and run accident whilst deployed to Italy, which left him paralysed from the chest down.

Keen to remain independent, in 2003 Dan became the Fund's youngest Housing Trust occupant when he moved into a specially adapted bungalow in Horsham, close to his family.

For those who have served in operations in the Middle East, Afghanistan and other operations, their duty often does not end when they get home, for them or their families. For some, the physical and mental impact of their service remains with them for the rest of their lives.

The RAF Benevolent Fund is there for the RAF Family, providing practical, financial and emotional support to RAF personnel, veterans and their partners and dependents.

Dan said: “The example of the wartime generation remains an inspiration for those who served afterwards. That generation included Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, of course, who was Patron of the RAF Benevolent Fund. We remember and celebrate their service this year as we always do.

“We also have to look to those who have served in the RAF in more recent conflicts and who need help to make their future brighter. The RAF Benevolent Fund is there for those who did their duty, no matter how long ago, as well as those still serving and their families, like they were there for me.”

If you know a member of the RAF Family in need, please go to rafbf.org to find out how the RAF Benevolent Fund could help.

The RAF Benevolent Fund is the RAF’s leading welfare charity, providing practical, financial, and emotional support to RAF personnel, veterans, and their partners and dependants. If you know a member of the RAF Family in need, please click here to find out how the Fund could help.