Month of the Military Child: “Airplay is a welcoming and inclusive space for our daughters”

For Adam and his wife Naomi, having a safe space for their children to enjoy themselves and make friends is essential as a serving family. With both daughters now attending their RAF Benevolent Fund Airplay youth club at RAF Cosford, the family has found a supportive, fun environment for their children to thrive.

Sergeant Adam Bray has served in the RAF for over 16 years. Now, working as a Training Development Coordinator at RAF Cosford, Adam helps looks after 250 students with basic discipline and welfare needs.

Adam and his wife Naomi have two daughters, Macey, 14, and Isabel, seven. In May 2024, the children joined their Airplay group at RAF Cosford, the RAF Benevolent Fund’s national youth programme for children and young people aged eight-18.

Adam said: “Both the girls love Airplay, and their Airplay youth worker Alison. She is just amazing with the children. She understands their individual needs and makes it such a welcoming and inclusive environment for them. Macey is in the group just above her sister.”

Macey was diagnosed with epilepsy and autism at the age of 11 and has cognitive developmental delay. Adam continued: “Trying to find people that understand disabled children, and don’t just see them as naughty when they become overwhelmed, is very difficult. Naomi and I attend a neurodiversity group for parents that Alison also comes to, so the girls get to see her more often.

“The kids that come to the group are allowed to be themselves and are recognised for being different. Macey turns up with her phone and noise cancelling headphones and might only say ‘hi’ occasionally, or sometimes she’ll want to play board games. Being around people that understand is so important.”

Macey was diagnosed with cancer in both eyes and is blind in her left eye at 11 months old, and in March 2025 the family found out she needs surgery for her legs. Adam continued: “For us, the biggest thing was finding something Macey could go to and enjoy. Despite her challenges, you’d never meet anybody as happy as Macey.

“She struggles with change, so the consistency of Airplay is great. They’ve got the quiet room which helps with sensory needs. She wants to help other kids and be the ‘big sister’ but doesn’t realise that she can’t always help. Having people get to know her and understand her needs is great.”

Adam said: “Airplay is a massive support for us all. It has given them a safe, social environment where they get to see military kids – especially with moving so much over the years, they struggle holding those friendships and now they’re with other kids who completely understand what they go through.

“Airplay is a safe place where we can drop her off, without worrying what she’s doing.”

Macey and Isabel shared what they both love about Airplay. Macey said: “Seeing Alison is the best part. I also love playing outside and doing crafts. I get to play with my friends that are nice to me and play Minecraft with them in the tech room.”

Isabel added: “I like to play with my friends and play Red Light Green Light in the green room. But I love seeing Alison too! We get to relax, play together and do all the fun things.”