ROYAL AIR FORCES ASSOCIATION - http://www.rafa.org.uk

Running the Great North Run is a great opportunity for me to show my appreciation for the hero's of our country who devote their lives to serving in the RAF. Close to my heart coming from an RAF family i've faced the reality of having a loved one go to war and the upset this brings. I am aiming to over come the challenge of running a half marathon in order to raise money to help RAFA help anyone with a connectiong to the RAF.

"Here to make sure that members of the RAF family, past and present are never left alone or in need"

RAFA are known for doing amazing work in providing support and advice for serving and retired members of the RAF. However they are more than just a charity, they are an extended family member, a shoulder to cry on, a friendly face to offer normality and a support network that is always there anytime of the day or night. 

Established on values surrounding a sense of community and belonging, RAFA have worked hard in creating a tight-knit forces family, from a kind face to share worries and concerns with or a financial aid in tough times or just help in carrying on with day to day life. 

During the recent and on going challenging times of conflict RAFA have been needed more than ever to consolidate and offer normality for those serving in the RAF and their families. 

In a typical year RAFA carry out just some of this great work: 

 

 

• Over 65,500 members offering friendship and support
• Network of over 540 welfare officers making over 68,000 welfare contacts and visits
• Help to secure more than £200,000 in pension and compensation claims for those facing financial hardship
• Support the RAF Benevolent Fund providing much needed respite care breaks for around 2,800 people
• Give 2,500 separated RAF families the chance to enjoy quality time together
• ‘Miles More Minutes’ campaign allowing over 1,600 families of RAF personnel who are serving in Afghanistan more time to talk on the telephone
• Storybook Wings initiative helping to ease the pain of separation for over 500 children with parents serving overseas
• Assisting around 50 RAF veterans or their widows/widowers to lead safe, independent lives RAFA sheltered and supported housing
• Through the RAF Families Federation give RAF personnel and their families the chance to influence future policy
• Distribute more than £1.2m in welfare grants to serving and ex-serving personnel

RAFA are also working in partnership with Alabaré and The Soldier’s Charity to fund a facility helping homeless ex-military personnel to rebuild their lives.

In donating, even a small amount, the lives of those serving their country and their families that stand by them, are able to have that much needed support to get them through the tough times they are faced with. 

Those that devote their lives to serving and proctecting our country and our freedom deserve our acknowledgement of their devotion and our backing 

Please donate and show respect for our country's heros

 

 

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