http://www.rafbf.org/76/blog.htmlThis week is Mental Health Awareness Week. Stephen Clark from Combat Stress tells us more.http://www.rafbf.org/76-3185/mental-health-awareness-week.html3185The RAF Spitfire 7s rugby team is taking on an ambitious 500 mile cycle challenge to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund. Flight Lieutenant Nick Monahan tells us more.http://www.rafbf.org/76-3093/raf-rugby-team-take-up-challenge.html3093A team of plucky cyclists are aiming to cycle to every Premiership football ground to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund. Corporal Darren ‘Daz’ Jones tells us more in this blog.http://www.rafbf.org/76-3057/premier-pedallers-bike-challenge.html3057Here at the RAF Benevolent Fund we are incredibly grateful for the help we receive from all of our volunteers and supporters. There is one group who have been supporting us for many years now. Phil Webb tells us more in this blog.http://www.rafbf.org/76-3052/fabulous-fundraisers.html3052The RAF Benevolent Fund recently featured in the BBC show, Heir Hunters, about tracking down the beneficiaries of wills. Becky Brazier, from our fundraising team, tells us more.http://www.rafbf.org/76-3041/heir-hunters.html3041Wing Commander Martin ‘Tinny’ Tinworth has served in the RAF for nearly 30 years. He is marking his 30 years of service by running the London Marathon for the RAF Benevolent Fund. Tinny tells us more in this blog.http://www.rafbf.org/76-3014/tin-man-the-marathon-man.html3014Flight Lieutenant Janet Logan serves in the RAF at Lossiemouth and is proud mum to three children. In this blog for Mother’s Day, Janet tells us about life as an RAF mum.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2996/life-as-an-raf-mum.html2996Friends and family of Flight Lieutenant Adam Sanders gathered at Wigan Athletic Football Club on 2 March 2013 to celebrate his life and raise money for the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2978/friends-pay-tribute-to-fallen-tornado-pilot.html2978Andy Sayers is a Chief Technician in the RAF. Andy is planning a hike from Heathrow to Brize Norton, to raise money for charity. Andy tells us more in this blog:http://www.rafbf.org/76-2916/heathrow-hub-hike.html2916Mark Gooding is undertaking fundraising events to raise over £115,500 for the RAF Benevolent Fund and the Anthony Nolan Trust. Here Mark tells us why: http://www.rafbf.org/76-2893/a-man-on-a-fundraising-mission.html2893Bethan, recently married her RAF sweetheart and this year they will be celebrating their first Valentine’s Day together. They decided to support the Fund whilst celebrating their big day. Here she tells us why... http://www.rafbf.org/76-2882/first-valentines-day-together.html2882This Valentines many couples will have to spend it apart,as their other half will be away on tour. Here Kelly, who is currently based at RAF Lossiemouth, tells us about her first Valentine's without her hubby... http://www.rafbf.org/76-2887/first-valentines-day-apart.html2887Helen is based in Lossiemouth and married to Corporal Bunker who is currently part of the Expeditionary Air Wing and is regularly away from home. Here Helen tells us how Airplay has helped her family. http://www.rafbf.org/76-2870/airplay-giving-a-voice-to-the-voiceless.html2870This week the Overly Dramatic! Drama Club from Airplay Lossie took to the stage to perform their very own Pantomime. Sarah Riley-Evans, tells us more in this post. http://www.rafbf.org/76-2862/midnight-mayhem-at-raf-lossie.html2862Adam Keen is running three marathons in four days in memory of Ryan Tomlin, who died in Afghanistan. Adam tells us more in this blog.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2855/three-marathons-in-a-row.html2855HRH The Duke of Kent recently visited the RAF Benevolent Fund’s head office in London to meet staff, trustees, beneficiaries and ambassadors.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2810/royal-visit.html2810Up in the far north of Scotland, at the RAF’s most northerly base, a few friends got together and decided that they needed to make a difference. Karen Cox tells us more:http://www.rafbf.org/76-2805/fundraising-at-lossiemouth.html2805Sadly, World War II Polish pilot , Tony Rogers has passed away. Tony had an incredible life and flew Lancasters, Spitfires and Wellingtons during the War. In later life he became a keen supporter of the RAF Benevolent Fund.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2801/sad-loss-of-polish-wwii-pilot.html2801Wing Commander Simon Ling leads Team RAFBF Spitfire, a team of sailors made up of serving and ex-serving RAF personnel. In this blog, Simon tells us about the team's plans for 2013.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2796/team-rafbf-spitfire-at-the-london-boat-show.html2796This Christmas many RAF personnel will be deployed overseas, and will be sorely missed by their loved ones. Yvonne, whose husband Andy is serving in Afghanistan, talks about Christmas without him in this blog.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2780/family-and-christmas.html27802012 was a busy year for the RAF Benevolent Fund blog. These are the ten most popular blogs of the year, all brilliant reads.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2773/top-ten-blogs-of-2012.html2773The RAF Typhoon Display Team has presented the RAF Benevolent Fund with a cheque for more than £5000.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2761/early-christmas-present-from-the-typhoon-display-team.html2761We have been running a Facebook fundraising campaign in the lead up to Christmas and we need your support. Tommy, our community manager, tells us more in this blog.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2757/fans-festive-fundraiser-now-live.html2757Once again this year the British Military Tournament showed our armed forces at their best. This magnificent event supports the RAF Benevolent Fund and our partner charities from the other two services.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2746/british-military-tournament.html2746Airplay is our project supporting young people on RAF stations. Yesterday we opened a new Airplay park at RAF Lossiemouth. Sarah Riley-Evans, from Airplay Lossie, tells us more in this post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2735/airplay-at-lossie.html2735Airplay is our project that supports young people growing up on RAF stations. Some of these young people recently got together at a youth forum. Fiona, our press officer, tells us more in this blog.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2619/family-life-behind-the-wire.html2619To commemorate 50 years of the VC-10 flying, Rod Marshall, one of our supporters decided to hold a raffle to support the RAF Benevolent Fund.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2611/vc-10-anniversary-raffle.html2611We’re here for the whole RAF family, and one of our projects, Airplay, supports young people growing up on RAF stations. One Airplay project is encouraging musical talent. 18 year old, Ryan, tells us more. http://www.rafbf.org/76-2615/rockin-at-raf-scampton.html2615This week, the Bomber Command Memorial at Green Park was voted London's most popular tourist attraction according to Trip Advisor. Mike Neville, our Chief of Staff, tell us more in this blog. http://www.rafbf.org/76-2606/bomber-command-memorial-top-tourist-site.html2606This Christmas we are running a Facebook fundraising campaign – and we want you to get involved. Tommy, the community manager who is running the campaign, tells us more in this blog.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2568/festive-fundraiser.html2568Those folk at RAF Lossiemouth are always up for a challenge. A group of RAF personnel took on the Tough Mudder challenge to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2571/tough-mudder-challenge.html2571Barbara Storer’s father was serving with the RAF in Bomber Command when his Lancaster was lost over France in 1944. Here, Barbara remembers her father.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2549/remembering-bomber-command.html2549A team of runners form the RAF’s Air Movements Squadron have smashed their fundraising target and raised over £1,000 for the RAF Benevolent Fund.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2536/squadron-runners-raise-1000.html2536Fifteen triathletes from RAF Honington took part in the Rock Hard Triathlon, an endurance event spanning the length of the country. http://www.rafbf.org/76-2518/rock-hard-triathlon.html2518Wing Commander Brian Watson supports the RAF Benevolent Fund in a unique way. He races a Mini proudly emblazoned with our famous heart roundel. Brian tells us more in this blog.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2370/racing-for-charity.html2370Ex-RAF Regiment gunner, Sean Allerton, was at RAF Benson yesterday for a leg of his unique Push 500 Challenge.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2300/push-500-wheelchair-challenge.html2300Those fine people at COOK have created a steak and Spitfire Ale pie that’s on sale to support the RAF Benevolent Fund. We asked one hungry airman to try it out. Sergeant Alex Ford, the RAF airman blogger, tucks in...http://www.rafbf.org/76-2297/a-pie-that-does-good-work.html2297Dan Brittain is running the Cardiff Half Marathon this weekend for the RAF Benevolent Fund. He has a very special reason – to say ‘thank you’ to RAF Search and Rescue. Dan tells us more in this post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2290/saying-thanks-to-the-raf.html2290Those lovely folks at the dental centre at Mount Pleasant Airfield have raised over £300 for the RAF Benevolent Fund by baking and selling cupcakes.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2279/cupcakes-for-charity.html2279Last Sunday, 15 September, some of the few surviving veterans of the Battle of Britain gathered at Westminster Abbey for the annual service to remember the courage and sacrifice of The Few.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2266/battle-of-britain-sunday.html2266A former air cadet, Pete Bewes, celebrated his 60th birthday by cycling from his home in Lancashire to Lossiemouth to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund. http://www.rafbf.org/76-2257/birthday-bike-ride.html2257The RAF Benevolent Fund has just opened a brand new Airplay park at RAF Brize Norton as part of our commitment to young people on RAF stations. Sixteen year old Patrick Button, whose dad is serving in the RAF, tells us more in this blog.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2260/airplay-at-brize.html2260Squadron Leader Tony Iveson DFC served in the RAF during the Battle of Britain, and then went on to fly Lancasters with Bomber Command. Tony tells us more in this blog post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2239/a-battle-of-britain-pilot-remembers.html2239Twenty five Royal Auxiliary Air Force medics from 4626 Squadron will mark Battle of Britain Day, 15 September, in distinctive style with a bike ride to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2245/raf-medics-mark-battle-of-britain-day.html2245Helen Wright has recently completed a bike ride in memory of her friend, Squadron Leader Ant Downing, who died from wounds sustained in Afghanistan. Helen tells how the ride went in this blog post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2230/missing-man-bike-ride--part-2.html2230On Tuesday night, Lord Ashcroft launched his latest book, Heroes of the Skies, at the Imperial War Museum. He will kindly be donating all of his author’s royalties to the RAF Benevolent Fund.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2232/heroes-of-the-skies.html2232A trekking team from RAF Cosford has climbed Mount Kilimanjaro the hard way to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2222/climbing-mountains-in-memory.html2222Helen Wright is raising money for the RAF Benevolent Fund on a bike ride in memory of a friend who died from wounds sustained in Afghanistan. Helen tells us more in this blog post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2181/missing-man-bike-ride.html2181Flight Sergeant Ronald Thorpe served in the RAF from 1943 - 1947 as a mid upper gunner on Lancaster bombers. Ronald attended the unveiling of the Bomber Command Memorial on 28 June - he tells us more in this blog post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2173/remembering-the-55573.html2173Wing Commander Simon Ling is skipper of a team of RAF sailors who promote the RAF Benevolent Fund with our famous heart roundel on their sails. The team have just had some great success at Cowes. Simon tells us more in this blog.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2165/team-spitfire-rules-the-waves.html2165Flight Lieutenant Alyson Phippen is a physical education officer at MoD St Athan. This month, Aly is taking on an extreme challenge in support of the RAF Benevolent Fund. She tells us more in this blog post. http://www.rafbf.org/76-2162/swimming-the-channel-for-charity.html2162Do you know a member of the RAF community who makes a difference to the lives of young people and families?http://www.rafbf.org/76-2158/raf-family-heroes-award.html2158Sam Brookes served on Lancaster bombers with Bomber Command and flew thirty missions. In this blog post Sam tells us of a daring raid on the Baltic coast of Poland, and remembers the crews who did not return. http://www.rafbf.org/76-2139/three-crews-have-not-returned.html2139Flying Officer Alan Biffen served in the Royal Air Force from 1942 to 1946, initially flying Wellington bombers, before transferring to Lancasters. In this post Alan tells us what the new Bomber Command Memorial means to him:http://www.rafbf.org/76-2129/lancaster-pilot-remembers-the-fallen.html2129The RAF Benevolent Fund always aims to find the most effective way to support the RAF family. Sometimes we work with partner charities such as hospices. One of our regional directors, Paul Hewson, tells us more. http://www.rafbf.org/76-2125/supporting-veterans-in-their-time-of-need.html2125Airplay is the RAF Benevolent Fund’s youth support programme that provides activities and facilities for young people growing up on RAF stations. Airplay at Coningsby has just completed a creative graffiti project. http://www.rafbf.org/76-2120/raf-kids-get-creative.html2120Two RAF technicians, recently back from Afghanistan, are taking on a challenge to support the RAF Benevolent Fund. http://www.rafbf.org/76-2116/on-your-bike-for-charity.html2116The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund has taken responsibility for the Bomber Command Memorial. In this blog, Mike Neville, our chief of staff, discusses why the memorial is so important:http://www.rafbf.org/76-2107/guardians-of-the-bomber-command-memorial.html2107Personnel from 28 (AC) Squadron based at RAF Benson have quite literally run their socks off in support of the RAF Benevolent Fund.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2000/raf-benson-goes-the-extra-mile.html2000Last year we ran a competition with the fantastic prize of a flight with a Spitfire, which was kindly donated by Go Action Stations. Our lucky winner was Sandra Withenshaw from Cheshire. Sandra tells us more in this blog post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2067/flying-with-a-spitfire.html2067Flight Lieutenant Nathan Jones, 29, is a pilot with 101 Squadron, based at RAF Brize Norton. Here he tells us about Run, Row, Ride, the fundraising challenge he and his colleagues are taking on to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund.http://www.rafbf.org/76-2048/run-row-ride.html2048Donald Hodge served in the RAF as a mid upper gunner on Lancasters from 1943-44. He passed away in December 2011. His son, also Donald, is attending the unveiling of the Bomber Command Memorial to pay tribute to him and all those who gave their lives during the war. Donald tells us more in this blog post. http://www.rafbf.org/76-2041/paying-tribute-to-a-bomber-boy.html2041Airplay is the RAF Benevolent Fund’s youth support programme for young people growing up on RAF stations. Airplay at RAF Lossiemouth had a surprise visitor this month. Sarah Riley-Evans, the Lossiemouth community development officer, tells us more in this blog.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1989/dukes-visit-to-lossie.html1989RAF Valley personnel are running the 126 mile coastal path of Anglesey in a 24 hour relay. The run is taking place today and tomorrow. Sergeant Martin Thompson tells us more in this blog.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1979/raf-valley-coastal-run.html1979You probably know Sergeant Alex Ford as the RAF airman blogger. In this special guest blog for Father’s Day, Alex tells us about being part of the RAF family. http://www.rafbf.org/76-1972/fathers-and-family.html1972Superbiking star James Hillier wore a racing helmet featuring the RAF Benevolent Fund heart roundel during the Isle of Man TT event this year, as he powered to fifth place. James had this to say:http://www.rafbf.org/76-1951/superbike-star-flies-the-flag.html1951Fifteen RAF personnel from RAF Honington aim to cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats and to climb the three highest peaks in Great Britain. Flight Lieutenant Rebecca Slark-Hollis, from the Rock Hard Triathlon team, tells us more in this post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1946/rock-hard-triathlon.html1946Wing Commander Simon Ling is skipper of Team Spitfire, a sailing team of serving and former RAF personnel and longtime supporters of the RAF Benevolent Fund. Simon fills us in on the team’s progress in this blog.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1924/team-spitfire.html1924There are loads of ways people show their support for the RAF Benevolent Fund, but there’s only one horse fundraising for us – meet Airmen’s Friend.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1915/airmens-friend.html1915Flight Lieutenant Stuart Martin was piloting one of the Merlins from RAF Benson that led the way for the Jubilee flypast on Saturday 19 May. Stuart tells us more in this blog post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1887/merlins-lead-the-jubilee-flypast.html1887When Chris Lumb was medically discharged from the RAF Police, the RAF Benevolent Fund stepped in to support Chris and his family. Now Chris and his wife Lisa are giving something back – Chris tells us more in this blog.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1880/giving-something-back-to-the-raf-family.html1880On Friday 4 May a team of RAF photographers set off from RAF Marham to run the length of Hadrian’s Wall for the RAF Benevolent Fund.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1851/raf-photographers-run-hadrians-wall.html1851A team of five runners from a Chinook squadron at RAF Odiham are running from John O’Groats to Land’s End to raise money for charity. http://www.rafbf.org/76-1839/jogon--running-for-charity.html1839The London Marathon ballot for 2013 is now open. Why not take on a new challenge and support the RAF Benevolent Fund? http://www.rafbf.org/76-1786/run-for-the-raf-family.html1786Adam Keen, 26, from Worthing, West Sussex is taking on a 244 mile bike ride for the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund in memory of SAC Ryan Tomlin. Adam tells us more in this post. http://www.rafbf.org/76-1776/bike-ride-to-honour-the-regiment.html1776Squadron Leader Daniela Nowalski has served in the RAF for 13 years. She recently completed the gruelling Marathon Des Sables, raising around £2,000 for the RAF Benevolent Fund. In this post Daniela tells us what it was like running across the Sahara Desert - for six days! http://www.rafbf.org/76-1772/desert-marathon.html1772Flight Lieutenant Phil Bird is a pilot with the RAF’s Hawk display team, and the RAF Benevolent Fund is the team’s charity of the year. Phil tells us more in this blog post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1765/hawk-pilot-runs-the-marathon.html1765SAC Ryan Tomlin of the RAF Regiment was killed in Afghanistan on 13 February 2012. In his memory some fellow Regiment gunners are organising a charity football match to support the RAF Benevolent Fund.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1761/gunners-football-match-in-memory-of-fallen-comrade.html1761It’s not the X-Factor it’s the RAF Factor! The winner of the RAF’s famous singing competition has now released a charity single.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1732/raf-factor-charity-single.html1732Jacqui Thompson’s husband, Gary, was killed in Afghanistan, while serving with the RAF Regiment. Since then Jacqui has dedicated herself to fundraising for the RAF Benevolent Fund, and this work has been recognised with a 'Soldiering On’ award on Sunday. Jacqui tells us more in this post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1729/soldiering-on.html1729Philip Wiles heads up the Housing and Care Services team at the RAF Benevolent Fund. Last week, Philip was out on the road in Scotland and the north of England to meet some of the people we support. Philip tells us more in this post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1724/on-the-road-for-the-raf-family.html1724Four determined flight operations assistants from RAF Odiham have set themselves a challenge to raise money for charity. http://www.rafbf.org/76-1719/141-miles-for-charity.html1719This Mother’s Day we’re celebrating RAF mums, so we’ve asked a mum from RAF Lossiemouth to blog for us. Karen Cox tells more in this post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1712/raf-mum--the-best-job-in-the-world.html1712Flight Lieutenant Stu Quinn serves with the RAF Regiment and is based at RAF Honington. Stu recently returned from the Antarctic where he was part of a tri-service expedition. Stu tells us more in this blog post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1692/stu-of-the-antarctic.html1692Our Airplay project provides facilities and youth support for young people growing up on RAF stations. We have recently run a drawing competition for budding RAF artists who are taking part in Airplay. We have had a fantastic response and now we have three winners.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1677/airplay-artists-take-off.html1677Jacqui Thompson’s husband, Gary, was killed while serving with the RAF Regiment in Afghanistan. Since then she has worked tirelessly for the RAF Benevolent Fund. To recognise her achievements Jacqui received an award from Prince Harry at RAF Honington. Jacqui tells us more in this blog post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1674/jacqui-receives-award-from-prince-harry.html1674We recently had a visit from Sergeant Alex Ford, who you probably know as the RAF airman blogger. Alex wanted to find out a bit more about our work, so he spent a morning at one of our grants meetings.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1664/friends-of-the-family.html1664This year to celebrate Valentine’s Day we are featuring the partners of RAF personnel – the stalwarts of the RAF family. Yvonne Costin, who lives at RAF Conningsby, tells us more in this blog post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1624/married-to-the-regiment.html1624This year to celebrate Valentine’s Day we are focusing on the partners of RAF personnel – the stalwarts of the RAF family. In this blog post we hear from Christopher Leader who balances a busy role in the City while supporting his partner, Mark, who is chief of staff at RAF Benson.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1629/valentines-blogs-christopher-leader.html1629This Valentine’s Day we are focusing on the partners of RAF personnel – the unsung stalwarts of the RAF family. Karen Nunns is married to an RAF technician, Jon. Karen tells us more in this blog post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1633/raf-family-the-best-friends-in-the-world.html1633Mick Kiff is an army corporal currently serving in a tri-service unit. Mick has come up with a great idea to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund and our partner charities - ABF The Soldiers Charity and the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust. Mick tells us more in this blog post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1599/akrotiri-to-brize-norton.html1599The RAF Benevolent Fund has teamed up with Trollbeads, the Danish charm jewellery company, to create a unique glass bead featuring our famous heart roundel.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1582/royal-air-force-trollbeads.html1582This year is the 70th anniversary of the RAF Regiment, the RAF’s specialist unit that defends airfields. In this blog post Flight Lieutenant Andy Costin tells us why he joined the RAF Regiment.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1589/raf-regiment--70-proud-years.html1589Our Edinburgh office had a welcome visit from the Riders Branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland yesterday.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1567/scottish-bikers-show-their-support.html1567Squadron Leader Anthony Downing died in December from injuries sustained in Afghanistan. His friend, Jo Kilkenny, is running 147 miles in his memory to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund. Jo tells us more in this blog post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1545/147-miles-in-memory.html1545Ben Fellows is an award winning film director who is planning to circumnavigate the globe in a paramotor and make a documentary about the journey. And it’s all to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund and our friends at Leonard Cheshire Disability. Ben tells us more in this post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1530/round-the-world-for-charity.html1530Our supporters have some weird and wonderful ways of raising money for us – but riding round an airfield on a moped dressed as a whoopee cushion? Doug Fowler fills us in about the Odiham mopedathon.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1465/odiham-mopedathon.html14652011 was a busy year for the RAF Benevolent Fund and we’ve had a great response to some of our blog posts. As we enter 2012 let’s look back for a minute at the five most popular blog posts of last year.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1437/top-five-blog-posts-of-2011.html1437A team of very brave civilians have challenged the Royal Air Force to a two man bobsleigh race, in aid of the RAF Benevolent Fund. Rosie Gibbons from our fundraising team tells us more:http://www.rafbf.org/76-1435/civilians-v-raf-charity-bobsleigh-challenge.html1435Gaz Ritchie is currently deployed to Afghanistan from RAF Lossiemouth, where his young son is participating in our Airplay project. While he’s deployed, Gaz will be fundraising for the RAF Benevolent Fund. He tells us more in this blog post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1431/fundraising-from-afghanistan-.html1431Graham and Jo Laurie are long time ambassadors for the RAF Benevolent Fund. This year Graham and Jo have entered a RAF Benevolent Fund themed tree in the Great Missenden Christmas Tree Festival.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1417/rafbf-christmas-tree.html1417In his final blog post from his recent Afghan deployment, Wing Commander Simon Ling tells us the NATO presence is making a difference to the people of Afghanistan.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1406/afghan-blog-part-3-making-a-difference.html1406In his second of three blog posts from his recent Afghan deployment, Wing Commander Simon Ling tells us about the work of the RAF’s Medical Emergency Response Team.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1390/afghan-blog-part-2-the-rafs-medical-emergency-response-team.html1390Wing Commander Simon Ling, a long time supporter of the RAF Benevolent Fund, has just completed a six month Afghan deployment as part of a tri-service logistics team. In the first of three blog posts, Simon reveals his impressions of Afghanistan.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1380/afghan-blog-part-1-from-kabul-to-helmand.html1380Growing up on an RAF base isn’t always easy. They are mostly in isolated locations and one of your parents will often be away on deployment or training. That’s why we’ve set up Airplay, our programme to support RAF families and young people.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1357/airplay-drawing-competition.html1357Jacqui Thompson’s husband, Gary, was killed in Afghanistan in 2008 while serving with the RAF Regiment. The RAF Benevolent Fund was there for Jacqui and her daughters at this difficult time. Jacqui tells us what the two minutes silence on Remembrance Day means to her in this blog post:http://www.rafbf.org/76-1329/two-minutes-silence.html1329Richard Kornicki CBE is chairman of the Polish Air Force Memorial Committee, which was formed this year to continue the remembrance of the Polish contribution to the war effort. Here he talks about his father, Franciszek Kornicki, the only surviving Polish squadron commander in the UK, and the great importance of remembrance:http://www.rafbf.org/76-1334/the-black-briefcase.html1334If you watched the Remembrance Special Who Wants To Be A Millionaire last night you’ll know Sergeant Dutch Holland won a fantastic £50,000 for the RAF Benevolent Fund. In this blog post Dutch tells us what it was like to be in the hot seat:http://www.rafbf.org/76-1323/dutch-is-a-winner-on-millionaire.html1323By now you will have heard the sad news that Red 5, Flight Lieutenant Sean Cunningham, died after a tragic accident at RAF Scampton.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1320/death-of-red-5.html1320Tomorrow there will be a special Who Wants To Be A Millionaire to mark Remembrance, in support of the RAF Benevolent Fund and our partner charities from the other two services. Sergeant Dutch Holland will be representing the RAF in the show. Dutch tells us more in this blog post:http://www.rafbf.org/76-1316/going-dutch-for-a-million.html1316We had a great response to our Fly with a Spitfire competition, but unfortunately there is only one winner for this fantastic prize, kindly donated by Action Stations!http://www.rafbf.org/76-1306/and-the-winner-is.html1306The RAF Benevolent Fund gets no government funding, so we rely on the generosity of the great British public. A great example of this generosity in action is the fantastic fundraising by the air cadets from 2211 (Bracknell) ATC Squadron.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1285/well-done-2211-squadron-air-cadets.html1285Last year, to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the RAF Benevolent Fund ran an online campaign called the 1940 Chronicle. We’re really pleased to let you know that the 1940 Chronicle has won an award – the PR Week award for best in digital and social media.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1267/battle-of-britain-campaign-wins-award.html1267We’re not just there for RAF personnel, we support their children and families as well. Georgia, the daughter of a squadron leader at RAF Odiham, is profoundly deaf, so we stepped in to help. Paul Hewson, our regional director, tells us more.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1246/helping-georgias-hearing.html1246Last week a group of new staff from our London office had the privilege of visiting Princess Marina House, our flagship welfare break centre on the south coast. Glyn Llewellyn, from our welfare team, fills us in:http://www.rafbf.org/76-1231/visit-to-princess-marina-house.html1231Medical personnel from all three armed services stationed at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan are raising money for charity by running, cycling and rowing back to Blighty.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1219/bastion2blighty.html1219Marshall Group is a very successful family run business, comprising of four companies – motor retails, land systems, executive travel, and aerospace. Marshall Group has been a fantastic supporter of the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund for a long time.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1189/marshall-group--supporting-the-raf-benevolent-fund.html1189The RAF Benevolent Fund is committed to supporting members of the RAF family in need. We provide a lot of services ourselves, and we also fund specialist services through our partner charities. Combat Stress is one of those charities.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1176/working-with-combat-stress.html1176Alex Ford is an RAF sergeant who is currently deployed on the Afghan frontline, and has been blogging about his experiences in the field. Today, to mark Battle of Britain Day, Alex has written this guest blog post from Afghanistan.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1155/in-afghanistan-on-battle-of-britain-day.html1155Duncan Slater, a sergeant in the RAF Regiment, lost both legs in a bomb blast in Afghanistan. Duncan wanted to do something to support the RAF Benevolent Fund, so he decided to cycle from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Duncan tells us more in this post:http://www.rafbf.org/76-1126/afghan-hero-tells-his-story.html1126Jade and Peter Harrison grew up in the married quarters in RAF Brize Norton, where their dad is stationed with the RAF. This year they completed an amazing challenge to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1096/climbing-mountains-for-the-raf-family.html1096A team of eight RAF personnel based at RAF High Wycombe have set off on an epic cycling challenge from Land’s End to John O’Groats to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund. http://www.rafbf.org/76-1079/relentless-ride.html1079If you’ve been following our blog you’ll already have heard about the Spitfire found in a bog in Ireland. Johnny McNee, a long time supporter of the RAF Benevolent Fund, got permission to excavate the site and recover the Spitfire.http://www.rafbf.org/76-1076/spitfire-in-a-bog--message-from-the-family.html1076A team of ten cyclists from RAF Northolt are going to cycle 1,400 miles from Bari in Italy to London in aid of the RAF Benevolent Fund. http://www.rafbf.org/76-1064/eurodash-challenge.html1064By now you will have heard the sad news of the death of Flight Lieutenant Jon Egging, Red 4. Jon died when his T1 Hawk crashed near Bournemouth.http://www.rafbf.org/76-960/red-arrow-crash--sad-loss-of-red-4.html960Team Spitfire is a crew of intrepid RAF sailors who race a yacht also called Spitfire. Skipper Tony Hanlon, a former Harrier pilot, updates us on their progress at Cowes:http://www.rafbf.org/76-1045/spitfire-at-cowes.html1045Airplay is our project supporting young people on RAF stations. Sarah Riley-Evans, a community development officer at RAF Lossiemouth, tells us more in this post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-688/more-airplay-at-raf-lossiemouth-.html688Team Spitfire is an intrepid team of RAF sailors who are proud to support the RAF Benevolent Fund. The team are just about to enter the Cowes annual regatta. Tony Hanlon, a former Harrier pilot, tells us more.http://www.rafbf.org/76-656/spitfire-set-to-conquer-cowes.html656When a member of the RAF family is in need we’re there to help. Sometimes we offer the help ourselves, and sometimes we support partner charities that provide specialist assistance to those in need.http://www.rafbf.org/76-352/supporting-the-raf-family-in-scotland.html352Paul Hewson, our regional director for the south of England, paid a visit to a disabled resident of an RAF Benevolent Fund housing trust property. Paul tells us more in this post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-496/charlie-dimmock-in-the-garden.html496On Tuesday 28 June 2011 RAF Benevolent Fund supporter Jonny McNee began the excavation of a Spitfire from a mountain bog in County Donegal, Ireland, accompanied by aviation archaeologists, university surveyors and a TV production company. In Jonny's second post he tells us about what he found.http://www.rafbf.org/76-400/spitfire-in-a-bog---part-2.html400RAF personnel stationed in Italy for Operation ELLAMY have different ways of spending their limited stand-down hours. Some will catch up on sleep, read a book or play games.http://www.rafbf.org/76-372/raf-corporals-in-charity-bergathon.html372Corporal Mark Squibbs of the RAF Police was part of a team that cycled from RAF Northolt to Edinburgh, ran a half marathon, then cycled back again to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund and Royal British Legion. In this post Mark tells the story of their gruelling challenge.http://www.rafbf.org/76-375/raf-police-raise-14k-for-charity-in-blazing-saddles-challenge.html375Paul Hewson, who leads our regional team for the south of England has been visiting local hospices that support members of the RAF family. Paul tells us more in this post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-370/helping-hospices-that-support-the-raf-family.html370RAF Benevolent Fund supporter Jonny McNee is currently undertaking the first licensed excavation of a World War Two RAF aircraft from within the Republic of Ireland. The project is being filmed as part of a forthcoming three part BBC series - Dig WW2. Jonny tells us more in this post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-398/spitfire-in-a-bog---part-1.html398Team Spitfire is a sailing team that is proud to support the RAF Benevolent Fund. Our famous heart roundel is emblazoned on the sails of their boat, also named Spitfire, and the team are great ambassadors for the charity. Former Harrier pilot, Tony Hanlon has written this post from their latest race in the J80 Class UK National Championships.http://www.rafbf.org/76-402/team-spitfire-rules-the-waves.html402Our boss, Sir Rob Wright, has been in north Wales seeing our work with the RAF family in action. Sir Rob tells us more in this post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-379/rafbf-in-action-in-wales.html379Paul Hewson, who leads our south of England regional team, had a call offering a generous donation to the RAF Benevolent Fund. Paul tells us more in this post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-360/5k-donation-to-the-raf-benevolent-fund.html360Paul Dixon served 46 years in the RAF and in that time never jumped out of an aircraft. So when it was time for Paul to retire, his family had some extreme plans for him. Paul tells us more in this post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-388/skydiving-into-retirement.html388Flight Lieutenant Chris Penneck is going to undertake a gruelling challenge to raise money in memory of two fallen comrades. Chris tells his story in this post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-385/riding-in-memory-of-fallen-friends.html385A force of cadets will cross the English Channel on 28 May to embark on a challenge which they hope will raise over £4,000 for charity.http://www.rafbf.org/76-363/cadet-d-day-beach-fundraiser-for-military-charities.html363Tim Artus, an instructor at RAF Cranwell, set himself the goal of running the London Marathon with a 40lb backpack.http://www.rafbf.org/76-405/tim-artus---marathon-man.html405A team of four RAF officers have won a £2,500 donation for the RAF Benevolent Fund after securing the number one qualifying position for the high octane Scottish endurance race, The Drambuie Pursuit.http://www.rafbf.org/76-377/raf-team-nail-2500-donation.html377Jade and Peter Harrison grew up in the married quarters at RAF Brize Norton, where their dad is stationed with the RAF. This year they are setting out on the challenge of a lifetime to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund. Jade tells us more in this post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-367/climbing-kilimanjaro.html367Lee Cunliffe, a former RAF dog handler, is running his first marathon this year to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund. Lee tells us why in this post.http://www.rafbf.org/76-425/why-im-running-a-marathon-for-the-raf-benevolent-fund.html425