RAF Benevolent Fund

11/10/2026

Kate’s son has proudly served in the Royal Air Force for nearly 20 years - a dream he pursued with passion, but one that comes with real risks.

Like any mother, Kate worries. But she also finds comfort in us, knowing her son and his family have a dedicated safety net if they ever need extra support.

That peace of mind inspired Kate and her husband to leave a gift in their Will.

As ordinary people, leaving a Legacy allows them to give back without impacting their lives today. Gifts in Wills contribute to our lifelong assistance - ensuring we can always answer the call when RAF families need us most.

Find out how simple it is to leave a gift in your Will: https://www.rafbf.org/get-involved/ways-to-donate/leave-a-gift-your-will

10/10/2026

This , we’re highlighting the power of connection in overcoming life's hardest moments.

When Caroline lost her husband Roger to incurable cancer 25 years ago, her world fell apart overnight. Roger had served in the Royal Air Force Police for 27 years, but nothing could have prepared Caroline for the sudden hardship of becoming a young widow with three daughters.

When her daughter’s bedroom roof caved in on the same day, she felt completely overwhelmed.

But we arrived like "angels knocking on the door," providing vital financial aid, bereavement support, and a pathway out of isolation.

Through monthly breakfast clubs run by our Community Engagement Workers, Caroline found a safe space among the RAF Family. "Meeting likeminded people has made a big difference to me… I feel I can talk freely in the group and not be judged."

💙 If you or a loved one are struggling with mental health, grief, or loneliness, explore our emotional wellbeing support: https://www.rafbf.org/get-support/emotional-wellbeing

09/10/2026

Whether it’s a game of football in the private garden or a 15-minute stroll to the seaside, The Folly is where Royal Air Force families come to reconnect.

The Folly isn't just a holiday house; it’s a specially designed retreat in Bridlington featuring:

🏡 Space for everyone: Four spacious bedrooms and two lounges.

♿Accessibility: Full wheelchair access and a disabled-friendly bathroom.

☀️Indoor-Outdoor living: Large kitchen/dining area with bi-fold doors leading to a lovely garden.

📍Perfect location: A quiet, secluded hideaway just a 15-minute walk from the beach.

Take a break you deserve. Apply today: 🔗 https://www.rafbf.org/thefolly

09/10/2026

Join us in wishing a Happy 91st Birthday to His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent.

His Royal Highness The Duke of Kent has been our President since 1969.

From all of us at the RAF Benevolent Fund, we send His Royal Highness our warmest birthday wishes.

📸 credit: Rory Lewis

08/10/2026

📣Coventry, do you have what it takes?

🌟Put yourself to the test at Royal Air Force Coventry Town Show problem-solving challenges, STEM discovery and more.

▶️Date: 09-11 October 2026
▶️Times: 10:00 - 16:30
▶️ FREE to attend
▶️Location: Broadgate, Coventry

What you'll experience:
✈️Aircraft up close
👉STEM discovery
🐕Military working dogs demonstration
👩‍🍳RAF chef's kitchen
🎮RAF VR experience
🧩Problem-solving
🎼Live RAF band performances
🌟Insider career insights

🔗Reserve your spot: https://ow.ly/6xgR50ZS9Ja

07/10/2026

This National Cadets Week, we’re celebrating all the incredible Royal Air Force Air Cadets who volunteer, raise funds, and support our work and their local communities all year round.

A huge thank you to all the wonderful Cadets who volunteer for us at events across the country. Their dedication and support makes a real difference, and we couldn't do it without them.

Show them some love - by leaving a ❤️ in the comments below.

07/10/2026

A brand-new hub for the RAF Lossiemouth community🏛️

Thanks to a generous £106,000 grant from The MacRobert Trust, we have funded the creation of a new, fully accessible RAF Lossiemouth Heritage Centre.

Located just outside the Station boundary, this upgraded space will bring together over 5,000 serving personnel, 10,000 local veterans, and their families, offering a welcoming environment to connect, learn, and reduce isolation.

Thank you to The MacRobert Trust for helping us make a real difference for the RAF family.

06/10/2026

Following a stroke and health challenges, James and his partner Claire felt isolated - until a week in Suffolk changed everything.

"I honestly can't remember the last time I saw Claire laugh as much as she did... It was like being around people you'd known for years." - James, Royal Air Force veteran.

Through our Group Friendship Break, they found a sense of community, shared laughter, and the reassurance that they are never facing life's hurdles alone.

03/10/2026

As we mark Black History Month this October, we’re celebrating the remarkable story of Lilian Bader, one of the first Black women to serve in the Royal Air Force.

"My father served in the First World War, his three children served in the Second World War. I married a coloured man who was in the Second World War, as was his brother who was decorated for bravery in Burma. Their father also served in the First World War. Our son was a helicopter pilot, he served in Northern Ireland. So all in all, I think we’ve given back more to this country than we’ve received." - Lilian Bader. (Quote taken from Imperial War Museums)

Despite being fired from an earlier job because of her West Indian heritage, Lilian didn't give up.

In 1941, she found her place in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), becoming a pioneering instrument repairer and rising to Acting Corporal.

Lilian's story is one of unwavering resilience in the face of prejudice.

🔗Read how Lilian Bader became a WAAF trailblazer, earned an MBE, and started a lasting legacy of service: https://www.rafbf.org/news-and-stories/raf-history/black-history-month-lilian-bader-trailblazer-raf

02/10/2026