Volunteers’ Week 2025: Spotlight on Mari Green

To mark Volunteers’ Week (2-8 June), we spoke to RAF Benevolent Fund volunteer Mari Green about the impact of the support her family received from the Fund and what her role as Station Champion at MOD Lyneham involves.

What is your role in the RAF and how long have you served?

I am a Civil Servant working in learning support at MOD Lyneham, which has recently reestablished its RAF presence. I joined one year ago and was previously working as a teacher.

What does your voluntary role with the Fund involve?

My role involves signposting serving personnel to the Fund’s welfare services, organising welfare and fundraising events, and giving briefings and presentations to new arrivals at Lyneham. There is a high number of veterans in the area who may need the Fund’s support, so I help ensure that trainees and permanent staff are aware of the welfare services available to them.

Why did you decide to volunteer for the Fund?

The decision to volunteer was a personal one for me following the support my ex-husband received when he was paralysed during a motorbike accident whilst serving as an RAF Technician in 2011. I was pregnant with our second child at the time and the Fund supported us emotionally and financially to support hospital visits. They purchased a house for us and adapted it for us to live in as a family.

What are some of the activities you have been involved in as a volunteer?

My involvement includes putting on a Fund welcome brief for trainees and a Fund awareness brief for service personnel and veterans at MOD Lyneham. I have taken part in a Turkey Trot which will now become an annual event. We also have a Remembrance fixture at Royal Wootton Bassett Town FC and Fund Fundraising Day there too, as they play fixtures against RAF Football Association Veterans.

What has been a highlight of your time in this role?

I loved having the opportunity to attend the Fund Awards 2025 as I was shortlisted in the Above and Beyond award category. I am looking forward to volunteering at the Royal International Air Tattoo this summer alongside the Fund team.

What would you say to someone considering volunteering for the Fund?

I would say try it and offer what you can because all support will be gratefully received!