Fund thanked for "immeasurable help to our entire family"

Following a shock diagnosis of sepsis resulting from a severe kidney infection, Davina Griffiths and daughter Charlie Rose, thanked the RAF Benevolent Fund for the support they received during an extremely challenging time.

Charlie Rose and sister Georgina were left in shock when they found their mother, Davina, collapsed on the floor and in need of paramedic care in summer 2021.

Davina had spent several weeks struggling with back pain which at the time was attributed to muscle strain. Once in hospital, she was found to have sepsis due to a severe kidney infection. It was touch and go for 24 hours. Following an RAFBF post on social media, Charlie contacted the Fund, to see if there were any chance her late father's RAF service would entitle her mother to some help.

Despite there being over 70 years since her father served in the RAF, her mother, Davina, is still eligible for support from the Fund.

Charlie said: “To be honest, I didn’t hold out much hope of any support from the RAF Benevolent Fund as it had been such a long time since my dad served but I had to try.”

She added: “Not only have the Benevolent Fund helped us out practically, but they’ve also provided outstanding emotional care.”

“The RAF Benevolent Fund have been amazing. I was put in touch with a woman named Jane, and for the first time since we’d been given the news of mum's illness, I was able to talk to someone about all we’d been going through. Finally, it felt as though we were really being listened to.”

Davina’s husband Caleb Griffiths joined the RAF during the Second World War in 1941. Eager to become a pilot, Caleb enthusiastically pursued his career as an RAF Flight Lieutenant and flew various aircraft during the war including the Mosquito and the Walrus.

Charlie said: “Mum is fiercely independent and wouldn’t usually accept outside help. However, the support we’ve received from the RAF Benevolent Fund feels very different. It’s more than a charity helping mum through her illness. Mum is receiving this support in recognition of the service my father provided to the RAF. Mum is proud of that.”

“In some ways it feels like dad is right here helping us himself”

Caleb passed away in December 2006. Davina has lived alone since then although her daughters and grandsons live close by. Following her illness, Davina has since been supported by the RAF Benevolent Fund with a fuel grant of £530 to help with energy costs, and a bespoke riser recliner chair.

Charlie continued: “Mum loves her chair and it’s helped considerably with reducing back and leg pain and the energy grant was a huge help. We’ve also been assured that should Mum’s needs change, we can turn to the Fund again – that’s very comforting and such a relief to know. We feel it’s not only Mum who’s been supported but the entire family. Thank you.’

All it takes is one day's service in the RAF to be entitled to support from the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Greatly appreciative of the help they’ve received, Charlie urged others to support the Fund.

She said: “I would say to anyone thinking of donating to the Fund or leaving a legacy – please do so – they are a sincere, generous and caring organisation.”