“The Fund gave me my life back”

After being medically discharged following a spinal injury that ended his 14-year RAF career, veteran Corporal Chris Platts found himself struggling physically, mentally, and financially. The RAF Benevolent Fund stepped in at a crucial time, providing the tailored support he needed to start rebuilding his life.

Chris joined the RAF in 2009 and served as a Personnel Support Clerk, with postings at Lossiemouth, Northolt, Cranwell, Coningsby, and Belgium, as well as a deployment to Minhad Air Base in 2014.

He loved the sense of purpose and adventure that came with serving – travelling the world, supporting colleagues, and making lifelong friends.

Chris said: "The best part was the people. I met friends who became family. Every posting and every job was different, which I loved."

However, in 2018, when a spinal injury playing sport led to surgery and chronic pain, RAF life became increasingly difficult. Because of his injury, Chris moved to RAF Cranwell from his posting in Belgium, however, due to the unexpected move, his wife had no job to come back to, and money was tight on one salary.

Chris said: "We’d gone from two wages to one, and we had nursery fees to pay. The Fund stepped in right away and helped cover the costs so my wife could find part-time work. It was a huge relief.”

After years of trying to juggle his RAF career with his injury, Chris was medically discharged in 2023. He explained: “After years of trying to push through, I had to admit defeat. Being discharged felt heartbreaking – the RAF had been my life, my family. I didn’t know what was next."

When Chris’ mental health began to deteriorate, he reached out again.

"I was in a really dark place," said Chris, adding, "I was suicidal. But thanks to the Fund, I got counselling within weeks, not months. That support probably saved my life."

The counselling provided through the Fund’s Listening and Counselling Service gave Chris the space and tools to process his experiences and begin to rebuild.

He also received funding toward a resettlement course to train as a celebrant, a step that helped him regain confidence and purpose after leaving the Service.

Chris said: "The help came exactly when I needed it. The counselling gave me the strength to face things, and the course helped me start thinking about the future again."

Chris has also found new purpose through sport, after representing Team GB at the 2025 Invictus Games. "Getting back into that environment and meeting others with similar struggles reminded me I’m still part of the RAF Family,” he said.

The support from the Fund has not only benefitted Chris, but his family too. He said: “The counselling didn’t just help me; it helped my wife and two boys too. I learned how to talk about what was going on in my head, instead of bottling it up. Now we always make time to talk as a family and discuss any worries."

Chris credits the RAF Benevolent Fund – and the generosity of its supporters – for helping him through the toughest chapter of his life.

He concluded: "Without the Fund, I honestly don’t think I’d be here today. They gave me hope, confidence, and the chance to be a better husband and dad. I can’t thank them enough"