"Care support has taken the weight off of our shoulders"

Last year the RAF Benevolent Fund spent £476,424 on care-home top-up fees ensuring our elderly RAF veterans and their partners can live in comfort and dignity into their retirement years. This is just the case for Gordon and Mabs Simmons who both served in the RAF during the Second World War. As part of National Carers Week, we spoke to their son Adrian about how the Fund's help has impacted their life.

Mum and Dad met while they served in the RAF during the war. Mum was an officer and Dad was a ranker but they didn't marry until 1950. Once Dad left the service he went on to become a Methodist Minister and Mum was very much involved in that.

They moved around a lot, ministering to a new community every three or four years but finally, when Dad reached 65, decided to retire to Lancashire.

They've lived there for almost 30 years now, Dad is 97 and Mum is 98. Mum has been blind for the past 15 years and Dad has been losing his short term memory so we had carers come into the house to support them.

Then, two years ago Mum had a bad fall, breaking her back at the base of her spine and needed to spend a few weeks in hospital. When she recovered we knew she would not be able to care for Dad and herself so we decided a care home would be the best place for them.

They have two rooms at a care home in Clitheroe, one they use as a lounge and the second as their bedroom. Initially we were funding the cost ourselves but then a friend at church told us about the RAF Benevolent Fund, who stepped in to help pay the fees.

It is really nice to know that Mum and Dad are in a place that has very caring staff and great facilities. We could not ask for anything more. Of course we like to see them happy and that is what they are.

It has taken a great weight off for my parents. Mum has always been the worrier of the family. Mum is very grateful this money has allowed them to be completely happy and completely safe. They are not going to have to move because of financial worries.

Both my brother and I have retired, it is a great weight off our shoulders to know they are well cared for and there are funds there to support them for as long as they need it.

Providing help with top-up fees is just one of the ways the RAF Benevolent Fund supports carers and those who need care. The Fund also has a Carers Support Package for those who are caring for a loved one at home.