"What Remembrance Day means to me"

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.

Above all, Remembrance 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 RAF Benevolent Fund Ambassador, Former Sergeant Bob Greig, who joined the RAF in 1979 and was serving as a parachute jumping instructor when he was seriously injured. Whilst on a routine exercise Bob's main parachute failed and his emergency one tangled, resulting in him falling almost 6,000ft.

The Fund has supported Bob since 1984 and continue to support him today with a home, in Knaphill, Surrey, that enables him to live a fully independent life.

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.

Bob 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.”