“Having the Fund there reminds you you’re still part of the RAF Family”

After losing his wife and facing serious health challenges, Robert McDowell found himself unable to walk very far without difficulty. His condition left him increasingly isolated and unable to get out and about on his own anymore. As a result, he began to feel lonely and cut off from the world around him. 

 
For RAF veterans, losing the freedom which keeps them connected and engaged with their community can be devastating. Thanks to your support, Robert received the funding he needed to purchase much needed mobility equipment, enabling him to once again be an active and valued member of his local community.

Originally from Glasgow, Robert joined the RAF in 1965 and was deployed to RAF Gan in the Indian Ocean on a year-long, unaccompanied tour. He was finding his job rewarding however, midway through his posting, Robert was urgently recalled home, when his first wife fell seriously ill. Robert’s life was torn apart. He left behind everything that felt familiar and returned home, worried sick about his wife. It affected him hugely.

Following his wife’s passing, friendships and connections with the local community became much more important to him, but he was struggling to keep these up because of his mobility – which is when your support kicked in. 

Robert said: “I’ve got Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and blockages in my legs, so I can’t really walk far. Maybe 20 feet, then I have to rest.” 

While attending The International Air Show – Festival of Flight, Robert spoke with our welfare team. With your support, we arranged for an occupational therapy assessment at his home and provided him with a grant for a mobility scooter. 

He hadn’t expected help that day, just a chance to watch the air displays, but meeting the welfare team changed everything. 

“The scooter has made a big difference to my life. Just getting into town takes me ten minutes – now I can go further without relying on the bus. I’m able to go to the local shops, and can get around more easily.” 

Thanks to your generosity, Robert is looking ahead with a renewed sense of freedom.

“I’m no longer stuck in the house. I can be out and about again. Having the Fund there reminds you that you’re still part of the RAF Family. I’d say to any former members of the RAF who are struggling to reach out to the Fund – the help is there for you, as it was for me.”