How the Fund brought friends Rod and John together

Rod and John, both RAF veterans and widowers, met during a RAF Benevolent Fund Group Friendship Break and quickly formed a lasting bond. Through shared experiences and support, the Fund has transformed their lives.

John said: “We met at Littlecote House on our first Break with the Fund last year. There were 20 of us but Rod and I hit it off and have kept in touch ever since.”

The pair quickly became friends, forming a bond over shared life experiences and mutual experiences.

The Group Friendship Breaks are designed for RAF veterans, their partners, carers, and widows, offering a supportive environment to improve mental and physical wellbeing, reduce loneliness, and build lasting connections.

Rod and John attended their second Group Friendship Break in Hayling Island in June 2025.

Both John and Rod lost their wives to illnesses over the last few years. John was caring for his wife who had vascular dementia until she sadly passed away in March this year.

John said: “I was introduced to the Fund through the Admiral nurse, and it opened a whole new way of getting to know people and getting to socialise. I thought I was pretty much on my own after my wife passed. But Lisa (Fund Community Engagement Worker) has taken the burden of that away by introducing me to Rod and other friends on these Breaks. I’m so very appreciative of that.”

Rod was a full-time carer for his wife, Denise, who struggled with her health, for 20 years. Rod said: “I gave up work aged 48 to become Denise’s full-time carer. The Fund offered us a break to Cornwall, but sadly she was unable to travel, and passed away in 2020 on the eve of my birthday.

“When I contacted the Fund again, and was offered one of these Breaks, it was a lifesaver."

Rod said: “We’ve enjoyed getting involved with the activities on the Break. There’s been shooting, archery, swimming, a quiz or two and live music. Plus, the company is great.”

John added: “We just generally have a bit of a laugh. That makes the world go round a bit better and easier. And it’s not just us two who like to have a bit of a craic, a lot of the group relate to each other’s banter.
“While serving in the RAF, I experienced 20 years of banter and it was like a survival method for some of us, that we all understand.”

Rod attends a monthly veteran’s group which is led by the Fund’s Community Engagement Workers, and since becoming friends, John has attended the group with Rod.

Rod continued: “The Fund has really helped us through our different circumstances, mentally and emotionally. I’d like to thank them for that.”

The Group Friendship Breaks are also open to partners and widows of RAF veterans. Rod said: “It's nice that other widows and widowers attend, because losing a partner is so isolating; it’s great they’re supported with these Breaks from the Fund.”