Flying High for a Cause: Why I’m Supporting Forces Children Scotland

Serving in the Royal Air Force (RAF) has been a meaningful part of my life. It’s a career that comes with its challenges, but also many positives — from the sense of teamwork and shared purpose, to the opportunities for education, world travel and adventure training. It’s not just a job, it’s a lifestyle that brings a strong sense of connection and pride in what we do. The RAF encourages you to push yourself, take on new challenges, and develop skills that can benefit you in every aspect of life. It’s not always easy, but it’s often rewarding.

One of the things I’ve valued most is the sense of community. Being surrounded by people who understand the pressures and responsibilities of the job makes a real difference. There’s a strong support network, and the shared experiences bring people together in a way that’s hard to describe.

That said, service life also brings pressures — especially for families. Long periods away from home, frequent moves, and uncertainty can have a lasting impact, particularly on children. It’s something I’ve seen up close, not only through my own service, but from my childhood too.

When I was young, my dad served in the RAF. I remember the pride I felt, but I also remember the tough parts - when he was away, adjusting to changes, and being surrounded by schoolmates that just couldn’t relate. I remember as a child, the frustrations of my mother still being in work and having to ask my friends if they wanted to hang out or if I could come round after school to kill the time. Those experiences have stayed with me. I don’t have children yet, but I hear the struggles in work of children going through a rough time in school or at home. Sometimes I think back to my childhood, if having someone that could understand and explain to the teachers in school would buy me some breathing space to deal with the challenges. I believe I got lucky by having the right friends and their families around me.

That’s why I’ve chosen to raise funds for Forces Children Scotland. They do vital work supporting children and young people from military families — whether that’s through mental health support, help with education, or simply giving them a voice and a safe space to be heard. It’s support I know would have made a difference when I was younger — and still makes a huge difference today.

If you’re able to share this message, I’d be truly grateful. Every bit of support helps children growing up in military families feel more understood, more supported, and more empowered.