War widow climbs Kilimanjaro to "give something back"
On 1 October, the widow of an RAF Regiment soldier killed in Afghanistan set off to climb Mount Kilimanjaro to help raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund. Jacqui Thompson, 43, from Sherwood, Nottingham, is taking on the challenge to honour the memory of her husband, SAC Gary Thompson, and to raise awareness of the work we do.
Gary was a reservist in the RAF Regiment, and was deployed to Afghanistan in February 2008. On 13 April he was killed, aged 51, when his patrol vehicle hit a roadside bomb. He left behind his wife Jacqui and five daughters. We provided the family with a grant to help them through this incredibly difficult period, and also offered help with the cost of Jacqui's daughters' university education.
Jacqui was reluctant to accept the assistance at first, but decided to take it and "give something back" at a later date. When Gary's cousin suggested Jacqui should join her in a climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, she jumped at the opportunity.
Jacqui said, "Normally I would never do anything like this, being more the sort of person who likes to be comfy at home. But I saw this challenge as a chance to let airmen and women in Afghanistan know that in times of trouble their families have a safety net in the RAF Benevolent Fund, and you can't put a price on the peace of mind that gives you."
See ITV Central interview with Jacqui 
Support Jacqui on Justgiving website
If you'd like to help us be there for people like Jacqui, please make a donation:
|
Bentley Priory becomes RAF station once more as RAF Benevolent Fund holds 90th Anniversary Gala Dinner
Bentley Priory, the spiritual home of RAF Fighter Command, became an RAF station for one more night on 22 September. We transformed the venue to host a special gala dinner, attended by our supporters and many senior RAF personnel, including Chief of the Air Staff, ACM Sir Stephen Dalton. The event was held to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the RAF Benevolent Fund and to raise awareness of the services we provide to serving and former members of the RAF and their families.
The evening included a display by a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire, a performance by the Central Band of the Royal Air Force, a multimedia presentation on the 90 year history of the RAF Benevolent Fund, and a special auction. Overall it was a tremendous success, raising £90,000.
Sir Rob Wright, Controller of the RAF Benevolent Fund, said, "This really was the perfect location for the RAF Benevolent Fund to celebrate our 90 years of support for the RAF family. It was also an important opportunity to reflect on how far the charity has come in that time, from spending £919 in our first year to the £20 million plus that we spent on welfare last year."
See a slideshow of photos from the evening
A great Christmas gift idea
If you're starting to think about Christmas gifts and stocking-fillers, how these neat new RAFBF-branded bags?
These 'bags for life' are designed and made by Onya, a company with a great reputation for sustainable manufacturing. The bags are constructed from a strong bright parachute material and are incredibly light, weighing just 50g. When not in use they fold away into a small handy pocket, also supplied.
You can buy RAFBF Onya bags now in our online shop
Take a break by the sea this autumn
Seacot House is a luxurious 3-bedroom holiday home right on the beach on the south coast, reserved for RAF personnel who want to take an affordable break with partners, family, friends or relatives. It's the ideal way to escape the stresses and strains of serving and civilian life.
Whether you're looking for a fun-filled holiday with lots to see and do, or a quiet few days by the seaside just chilling out, Seacot's relaxing ambience and beautiful surroundings make it the perfect location for a short break. You can be sure you'll leave revitalised.
You can find out more on Seacot House website or call directly about availability on 01903 788971.
See comments left by previous guests
The most important US-made aircraft in RAF history?
We're running a poll to find the most important US-made aircraft in RAF history.
At the moment the Phantom is pulling ahead of aircraft like the Liberator and Catalina. Do you think that's the right choice? You will only be able to vote in our poll for another week, so if you'd like to have your say, visit
www.rafbf90.org.uk
...and make your selection!
The poll features on our new microsite, "90 faces of the RAFBF", which we created to celebrate our 90th anniversary. The site features 90 stories about our history, beneficiaries, fundraisers and supporters, so have a look around the site while you're there and tell us what you think.
|
|
Website news
Latest on our fundraising blog
Forth Bridge Abseil
11-Oct-09 If you're an adrenalin junkie, this is the event for you »
Shake up your makeup
11-Nov-09 Step by step makeup lesson and top tips from experienced makeup artists »
Concert at St Wulframs Church, Grantham
14-Nov-09 Tickets now available for a concert by Grantham Choral Society and the Band of the Royal Air Force College, Cranwell »
Other events
Concert at St Clement Danes
19-Nov-09 Tickets now available for a concert by the Central Band of the Royal Air Force and the Choir of St Clement Danes »
RAF in Concert tour
23-Oct-09 to 9-Dec-09 Each concert features one of the main RAF bands augmented by the RAF Salon Orchestra and either the big-band sound of the Squadronaires or Swing Wing »
Support us
Recycle your unwanted jewellery
We'll send you postage-paid recycling envelopes! »
Ashes scattered
over land and sea
Having a loved-one's ashes scattered from the air can be a a beautiful and symbolic tribute. Mention the RAFBF and 5% of the cost will be donated to us. »
British Forces Travel
A holiday travel agency designed for the Armed Forces with 30% of profits donated to Armed Forces charities - call 01633 798 987. »
|
Our website: www.rafbf.org 
