Red Arrows past and present help raise thousands at RAF Scampton charity dinner

A charity dinner at RAF Scampton gave members of the public a rare opportunity to dine with the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, in their hangar, alongside the team’s distinctive Hawk fast-jets. Donations from the evening went to the station’s charities of the year: the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF's leading welfare charity, as well as the Jon Egging Trust and Lincoln Food Bank.

Money raised at the event, staged last week, has just been confirmed as £12,000. One of the main ways money was raised on the night was a lively auction – which allowed those at the dinner to bid on rare aviation memorabilia.

The dinner was opened by Wing Commander David Montenegro, Officer Commanding Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, and compered by Squadron Leader (retired) Mike Ling, the longest serving Red Arrows pilot, who now flies with the Blades Aerobatic Team. Support for the evening was also provided by East Midlands University Air Squadron.

Wg Cdr Montenegro said: "It was pleasure to welcome so many members of the local community to the home of the Red Arrows. Never before have we held such an event in the hangar. Alongside the speeches and proceedings, guests were able to witness the work that goes on behind the scenes by our dedicated team of engineers, many of whom were finishing servicing the aircraft adjacent in the hangar as the evening was about to get underway.

"The past twelve months have seen so many people and organisations overcome a range of  challenges and we know it's been incredibly trying for charities too. It meant a lot to be able to give back to three organisations which we hold close to our hearts and it’s a great feeling knowing that donations raised on the night will make a huge difference to so many lives, be they members of the RAF Family, young people or simply deserving members of the public who need a helping hand."

Mike Ling said: "RAF Scampton will always mean something special to me. To be able to give guests an insight into life on an RAF station, explain some of the lesser-known historical facts of the unit and add some colour to stories they may know little about was brilliant. But the night really was about the charities and for me, to be able to give something back to the RAF Benevolent Fund is vitally important.

"During my time on the Red Arrows, the Fund helped me out immeasurable following a mid-air collision, providing me with a powered wheelchair, allowing me to get around independently and ultimately, get back in the air. And now through the Blades, I’ve seen the many ways they support serving personnel, veterans and dependants – whether that's through financial assistance, or emotional support and counselling, they really are there through thick and thin. Knowing that the proceeds from the evening will make a positive impact on people's lives is heartening, and I’m proud to have played a small part in making that happen."

The RAF Benevolent Fund remains committed to supporting RAF Scampton despite its forthcoming closure. Last year alone the Fund spent more than £50,000 supporting the station and its personnel. From the new all-day café and yoga sessions to Covid-19 welfare packs and the mindfulness app Headspace, funding has allowed RAF personnel and their families to endure a challenging year.