Storylines is brought to you by the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity.
We exist with the sole intention of repaying the debt we owe to those who have so valiantly served our country. For 100 years, we have faithfully supported RAF Family members through every adversity they face – be it loneliness in old age, emotional trauma following active service, or a little financial assistance during those tough times.
Since 1919, the RAF Benevolent Fund has proudly supported RAF veterans, serving personnel, and their families, through every battle they face – whether it is fought out in the field or close to home, early on in life or in their twilight years.
No one who has served their country should be worrying about their heating bill. Or finding a few extra pounds a week so that their beloved wife can stay in a care home close enough to visit. Or silently struggling through the day with physical and emotional scars sustained in service.
We are here to help. Our welfare services offer financial, practical and emotional assistance to help our RAF Family in the way that is right for them.
When Corporal Stuart Robinson was seriously injured in an IED explosion in Afghanistan in 2013, he knew the road to recovery would be a tough one.
Stuart was on a routine patrol near Camp Bastion with 15 Squadron, RAF Regiment, when his vehicle hit the IED – the force was so strong that he was thrown 30 feet. The explosion left him with life changing injuries, including the loss of his lower left leg and severe damage to his right leg and arm. While recovering in hospital, he took the difficult decision to have his shattered right leg amputated.
Stuart said: "I don't like asking for help, but you can't do everything on your own. The RAF Benevolent Fund have been there for my family through the hardest time. I was aware of their work but, of course, you never think you're going to need them – it's been reassuring knowing they are at the end of a phone whenever I have needed them."
The RAF Benevolent Fund adapted Stuart’s home to make it more comfortable and accessible, and provided a specially adapted mountain trike so he could still get out and about with his then four-year-old son, George.
As we enter our centenary year we know that, sadly, there are tens of thousands more veterans and serving personnel who are struggling and desperately need our assistance but, for a variety of reasons, have not asked, or don't feel able to ask for our help.
If you are a member of the RAF Family and need our support – or someone you know who is going through a difficult time – please do get in touch. Find out what help is available online, call 0800 169 2942 or email mail@rafbf.org.uk and a member of our Welfare Team will be happy to discuss your challenges and how we might be able to help.
Whether your problem is large or small, practical or personal, we will do our utmost to help you in whatever way we can.
You can help us change lives. They did their duty and we hope you will join us to help repay the debt we owe.
If you would like to make a gift to support members of the RAF Family in need, you can do so by making an online donation or calling 020 7580 8343.
You have our absolute assurance that whatever you can spare will be very gratefully received and used wisely and with care.
© 2019 Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund (RAFBF), registered charity in England and Wales (1081009) and in Scotland (SC038109)
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In 2017, we spent over £17 million supporting more than 55,000 current and former members of the RAF and their families.
Helpline: 0800 169 2942
