Volunteer Spotlight: Allan and Caroline Goodison

We spoke to Fund volunteer Allan Goodison, who volunteers alongside his wife Caroline, to find out more about their role and why giving back is so important to them. Their shared life within the RAF community has played a big part in inspiring their commitment to supporting the Fund.

What does your voluntary role at the Fund involve?

My wife and I are volunteer fundraisers and cover various events across London and the Southeast. We help with fundraising, including bucket collections, and help to raise awareness of the Fund’s work to support the RAF Family.

Why did you choose to volunteer with the Fund?

I spent 37 years in the RAF as a navigator flying air defence aircraft, retiring as a Wing Commander in 2014. I met my wife Caroline in 1982 at RAF Finningley when completing my navigator training and we married in 1985. 

In 2023, I contacted the Fund for emotional wellbeing support and advice as I had just retired. Having received their support and looking for something worthwhile to do in my retirement, I offered to help the Fund. When Caroline was going to join me at my first event as an attendee, the Fund’s volunteer team suggested she might wish to consider registering as a volunteer as well. Now we come as a package!

How do your skills and background help you in this role?

Both of us are used to engaging with people and working in a team from our previous lives – mine as an Officer in the RAF and Caroline as both a nurse and a salesperson for a furniture company. This really helps when creating conversations with the public that can lead to donations or signposting welfare services.

What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering with the Fund?

We would encourage anyone to get involved. Speaking to someone who is already a volunteer about what the role entails can give a real insight into the sense of value and purpose it brings.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering?

We enjoy doing something worthwhile and giving back to an organisation we really believe in. We both loved our time in the RAF and feel fortunate in our retirement, so it means a lot to support the Fund’s work helping former colleagues and their families who may need it. Plus, it’s great to get out and meet people – and good for our wellbeing too!

Is there a particular moment or experience that has really stayed with you so far?

We really enjoy meeting the Fund’s ambassadors and hearing their inspiring stories. The Carol Concert at St Clement Dane’s was also a highlight – such a wonderful experience.