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E DITOR’S FOREWORD
Welcome to the autumn edition of 51 Degrees North, the magazine of RAF Brize Norton.
It’s hard to believe we only have one more issue this year as we head towards Christmas.
As the air turns crisp and the leaves blaze with colour, autumn reminds us that change can indeed be beautiful; a season of slowing down, gathering close and taking stock of what we have nurtured through the year and what a year it has been so far! Like nature, we too find moments to shed, to pause, celebrate and prepare for what comes next.
In this issue there is so much for us to share with you, including the families day, a day of celebration, as we say a thank you to all personnel and their families for their continued support. I know you will find stories that will not only inspire but also spark creativity as it does with our STEM teams.
Whether you read these pages curled up with a blanket and a cup of tea or coffee or during a quiet moment as you reflect, I do hope this edition gives you an insight into the busy world of RAF Brize Norton. We strive to give you all a variety of articles and features, with, I hope, something for everyone.
We live in an ever-changing world and environment, operational 24/7, therefore change, information and connection remain constant companions and this magazine gives us the opportunity to share them with you.
Here’s to an autumn filled with gratitude and inspiration. Until next time, happy reading.
Anita – MCO Editor 51 Degrees North
DEADLINE PLEASE SUBMIT ALL ARTICLES BY 17TH NOVEMBER
Your article should aim to be between 300-500 words in length, with a high resolution picture over 1MB for every 100 words you write. You should ensure that personnel/activities in photos are named and that you provide the author’s details, in case we require any more information. Send your completed articles to BZN-51DegreesNorth@mod.gov.uk. We look forward to receiving your articles and make every effort to publish as many of them as possible.
From easyJet to Atlas From Army
Helicopters through EasyJet’s Cockpit to the RAF’s Atlas A400M: Air Commodore David Morgan’s Remarkable Journey.
Air Commodore David Morgan, Honorary Air Commodore of 622 (Royal Auxiliary Air Force) Squadron based at RAF Brize Norton, has just added another milestone to his already distinguished aviation career — completing the Senior Officers' Flying Course on the RAF’s Atlas A400M. Spending time both in the A400M simulators at XXIV Squadron and live flying as part of the course.
Appointed as 622 Squadron’s Honorary Air Commodore in 2024, David brings a lifetime of flying expertise to the role. His journey began in the 1980s as a Qualified Helicopter Instructor in the British Army, flying both the Gazelle and Lynx. An exchange posting with the Royal Australian Air Force saw him training pilots on the Bell 206, before transferring to fixed-wing flying and becoming a Qualified Flying Instructor on the Pilatus PC-9. His instructional skills later took him to Saudi Arabia, working for BAE Systems with the Royal Saudi Air Force, and then to the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, piloting the B200 King Air in some of the most remote parts of the country.
Switching to commercial aviation, David earned his Air Transport Pilot Licence and joined the Airbus fleet. Today, alongside his role as Chief Operations Officer at easyJet, he remains an active A320 captain and instructor. His influence reaches beyond the flight deck, championing the modernisation of UK airspace, sustainable aviation fuel, and hydrogen technology on the path to Net Zero.
In the community, David has served since 2022 as a Trustee
for the Air Ambulance Charity Kent, Surrey and Sussex. Within easyJet, he has become a strong advocate for military personnel, founding the airline’s Veterans and Reservists group and spearheading its signing of the Armed Forces Covenant.
His leadership and passion for aviation continue to inspire both military and civilian colleagues, raising the profile of 622 Squadron and strengthening the link between the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and the commercial airline industry.
WHY CHOOSE US?
• Experienced and qualified early years educational team
• Childcare from 3 months to Pre School
• All staff are safeguarding and paediatric first aid trained
• Safe and enclosed extensive property
• Offering 15-30 hours funding for 3-4 year olds, and 15 hours for 2 year olds of eligible parents
• Wealth of experience with identifying and supporting children with SEN
• Dedicated nursery chef
• All childcare voucher schemes and tax free childcare payments accepted (usable too for our holiday club children, up to 11 year olds)
• Ofsted registered and insured
- Complete house rewires
- Complete house rewires
- Complete house rewires
- New builds
- New builds
- New builds
- EICR Domestic and Commercial
- Eicr Domestic and Commercial
- Eicr Domestic and Commercial
- Fault finding and repairs
- Fault finding and repairs
- Fault finding and repairs
- Replacement fuse boards
- Replacement fuse boards
- Replacement fuse boards
- Boiler wiring
- Boiler wiring
- Boiler wiring
- Data cabling installations
- Data cabling installations
- Fully insured and Part P registered
- Data cabling installations
- Fully insured and part p registered
- Domestic, Commercial and
- Industrial installations
- Domestic, Commercial and Industrial installations
- Fully insured and part p registered
- Domestic, Commercial and Industrial installations
- Solar PV and Battery Storage
Celebrating our Honours and Awards
Congratulations to everyone from across the Whole Force who have received their honours and awards over the summer. We are proud to recognize their outstanding achievements that highlight their dedication, teamwork and excellence that continues to inspire us all.
BRIZE
July 2025.
August 2025.
May 2025.
July 2025.
June 2025.
June 2025.
MACr Hill
LXX Squadron recently said goodbye to Master Aircrew (Macr) Hill, who leaves the Royal Air Force after 43 years' service across both the RAF and Army.
MAcr Hill joined the Royal Corps of Signals as an apprentice Radio Telegraphist in September 1982. Looking for new challenges, following promotion to Sergeant, he left the Army and applied to join the RAF as an Air Loadmaster in 1996.
Flying around the world in support of Operations and Exercises on both the C130K and the A400M, in 2023 he moved away from a flying role to concentrate on Flight Safety, helping to ensure the safe execution of Atlas Force operations.
Congratulations on a fantastic career!
Exercise Mobility Guardian
In late 2024, Joint Air Delivery, Test and Evaluation Unit (JADTEU) was tasked with assessing the feasibility of despatching the USA-provided A-22 Container Delivery System (CDS) in preparation for Exercise Mobility Guardian 2025.
After receiving the equipment, JADTEU’s Aerial Delivery and Engineering Sections worked closely with 206 Squadron and Red Scientific to determine the evidence required to safely deliver this new capability.
Support came from our partners at United States Air Force Mildenhall, who shared rigging procedures and practical tips for safe despatch. We also drew on lessons learned from a NATO ally with prior experience of A-22 CDS operations from the A400M. These insights fed into a comprehensive Ground Assessment, ensuring the UK’s first A-22 despatch would be conducted safely and effectively.
With UK-specific modifications identified and clear procedures established for both aircrew and despatchers, the final step was to gain the necessary clearances. To support this, JADTEU deployed a Qualified Air Despatch Instructor and a Despatch Crew Commander to work alongside 47 Air Despatch Squadron, providing guidance on the unfamiliar equipment.
The result was the successful and safe despatch of a foreign load from the A400M for the very first time – a milestone achievement that underlines the UK’s commitment to ‘NATO First’ and enhances Aerial Delivery interoperability.
Images by Cpl Cann.
101 Squadron Officer Commanding Handover
101 Squadron have said goodbye to Wing Commander Summers and welcomed Wing Commander Prager to the role of Officer Commanding. Flying a sortie together to handover, Squadron personnel, alongside family and friends, joined them on return to RAF Brize Norton.
Wing Commander Summers said: "It has been an honour and a privilege to command 101 Squadron for the last two and a half years. It has been an extremely busy period for us and I would like to thank the members of the Voyager Force and their families and loved ones for their hard work, support and patience during my time as OC 101. We have achieved a huge amount, including the largest deployment of tankers since Gulf War 2 in support of Operations and Exercises across the globe and the entire Voyager Force should be very proud of their achievements. I wish Wing Commander Prager the very best of luck as he takes command and I am confident that the Squadron is in safe and capable hands".
We wish both Wing Commander Summers and Wing Commander Prager all the very best in their new roles.
Paratroopers depart RAF Brize Norton on Exercise Swift Response
Paratroopers taking part in Exercise Swift Response have departed from RAF Brize Norton.
This multinational military exercise currently taking place until the end of May is designed to bolster rapid deployment capabilities and enhance the interoperability of NATO allies.
At the heart of the airborne operations will be the Atlas A400M aircraft based at RAF Brize Norton, which will be instrumental in executing lowlevel parachuting missions with British Army Paratroopers.
As part of the exercise, the RAF will collaborate closely with concurrent airborne insertions involving NATO forces, including the U.S. 82nd Airborne Division. This integration underlines the RAF's commitment to maintaining operational readiness and fostering effective communication among allied forces.
The National Memorial Arboretum visit
Military and Civil Servants recently visited The National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire as part of Force Development. An opportunity to reflect and learn of bravery shown in the most extraordinary of times, selfless service and sacrifice, camaraderie and care are represented by the memorials at the year-round place of remembrance.
Situated in Alrewas, Staffordshire between Burton upon Trent and Lichfield, this beautiful and inspiring place set in a 150-acres of the Arboretum forms, a living landscape and home for more than 400 memorials, was officially opened to the public in 2001.
This unique site was the aspiration of Commander David Childs CBE, who having visited the Arlington Cemetery, and the National Arboretum in Washington believed that the UK should also have a place where all could visit, thus ensuring that the sacrifices made before us all and the sacrifices now would not be forgotten.
Final thought – steeped in history, this poignant memorial is one to put on your list; inspiring, a solitude place to reflect and humbling, a truly remarkable experience.
Alex Gill, Civil Servant said:
“Having the opportunity to visit the National Memorial Arboretum as part of a Force Development trip was a truly meaningful experience. Working at RAF Brize Norton alongside RAF colleagues meant there were many memorials which I either had a personal connection to or knew people who did, and there were several poignant moments. As a lifelong Scout, I was also very pleased to visit the memorial for the Scout Association, which remembers Scouts who’ve lost their lives in conflict. Overall, the visit was a fantastic experience to share meaningful moments with colleagues in a location so important to the Armed Forces, to which we all have a strong connection.”
An Oxford Playhouse Pantomime
Dick Whittington at Oxford Playhouse
Oxford Playhouse invites you on a magical journey to London Town with another charming pantomime, Dick Whittington.
All aboard! Proper crafty Liam Rattagher and his dodgy brother Noel are conjuring up a masterplan to take over the world by making everything bland! Things are looking dull for our hero, Dick Whittington, but can they put a stop to the baddies’ schemes and make Britannia cool again? Maybe, but they’ll need a little help from a magical cat and a gang of unlikely sidekicks.
Get ready for an uplifting tale of friendship, bursting with laughter and panto sparkle, infused with vibrant Britpop and 90s cool. Written and directed by Toby Hulse and brought to life by the brilliant team who created the Panto Awardwinning Sleeping Beauty.
It’s the purrrrfect festive treat!
Tickets for Dick Whittington at Oxford Playhouse start at £17. To book tickets, contact the Box Office on 01865 305305 or visit oxfordplayhouse.com
Oxford Playhouse: Beaumont Street, Oxford OX1 2LW
W: oxfordplayhouse.com
T: 01865 305305
E: boxoffice@oxfordplayhouse.com
directed by Toby Hulse
Exercise Anzio Rock
The Italian Campaign of WWII , also known as the Liberation of Italy, was conducted from 1943 to 1945. Although significant, it was somewhat overshadowed by D-Day, and as a result, much less is known about this campaign.
To address this gap in historical understanding, a group of 19 RAF Brize Norton personnel from various trades made it their personal objective to spend five days on the Italian mainland, carrying out researched activities at key locations.
Day One focused on the Allied landings in and around the town of Salerno, including a visit to the Salerno War Cemetery.
Day Two included visits to Cassino and the Cassino War Cemetery, which has a direct link to today’s Royal Air Force: 70 Squadron RAF operated the Wellington Mk10, and 2788 Squadron RAF Regiment (now II Squadron RAF Regiment) also served in the area.
Day Three involved an ascent of Monte Cassino to gain an overview of the terrain and objectives, including Hill 593 and the Monastery. The monastery, which has been rebuilt to its former glory, was destroyed by aerial bombardment during the campaign.
Day Four saw the group relocate to Anzio, where they visited the CWGC Beach Head War Cemetery.
The focus was on the inspirational leadership and gallant actions of 5568932 Serjeant M.A.W. Rogers, Victoria Cross.
Cadet Muster
RAF Brize Norton hosts cadet visits routinely every two weeks.
The visits are on a rotation between the three local Air Training Cadet Wings and Combined Cadet Force, but
twice a year we host what are known as Cadet Musters. This year RAF Brize Norton hosted around 100 cadets and 20 staff over the summer.
Air Cadet Liaison Officer Sergeant Greig Stensland said:
“The purpose of these musters and regular planned visits is to show the cadets not only what professions the RAF have but what they look like in action. It gives them a small insight into real RAF life behind the wire. The cadets will generally visit aircraft in the morning followed by a Careers Brief. In the afternoon, the cadets visit three sections. We have some big supporters of these visits that form the backbone of the programme every two weeks. A visit to the sections allows the cadets to speak to Service people, get hands on with the equipment they use day to day and ask more profession-specific questions. When it comes to the musters, we set up a static village on the airfield and invite multiple sections to pitch up almost a stall, for the cadets to go around and get the same experience. The cadets leave here extremely happy which is proven by the feedback from the staff. It is great to see so many potential future aviators visit RAF Brize Norton to then leave with smiles on their faces and more information than a website can offer.”
A
day of appreciation for those who serve behind the uniform
On Saturday 30th August, RAF
Brize Norton held its 2025 Families Day. The event was a celebration for all families, recognising the resilience, strength and contributions of military families who stand behind the uniform.
Group Captain Henton, Station Commander said:
“Military families serve alongside their loved ones in countless ways. This day is about honouring their sacrifices and showing our appreciation for everything they do.”
Families were treated to a vibrant mix of activities to delight all ages. The families' day offered a fun-filled program bringing the whole force together. With familyfriendly attractions, there really was something for everyone.
VJ Day 80 Flag Raising in Carterton, 15 August 2025
On VJ Day 80 our Station Commander Group Captain Henton and Station Warrant Officer Wilson, attended a ceremony outside Carterton Town Hall at the raising of the VJ Day 80 flag – marking 80 years since Victory over Japan, bringing about the end of the Second World War.
THE NUMBER ONE BOARDING SCHOOLS DIRECTORY AIMED AT MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES
Community Support Summer Events
Throughout the summer, the Community Support and HIVE teams hosted a variety of events for the families of our Whole Force personnel to enjoy. It really was a summer full of exciting activities—here’s what happened!
Football Academy
127 children from school years 1–6 spent a week sharpening their football skills.
Summer of STEM Camp
27 children joined the STEM team to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Activities included:
• Working with robots
• Learning how to control and direct them
• A trip to the Cosford Air Museum
Herb Planting Workshop
A free event made possible by VIVO.
• Nurture provided information and supplies for 30 herb baskets
• Participants learned about the herbs and their uses
Big Brize Adventure Week
A week of exciting trips involving 173 young people visiting five different locations: Tomahawk Throwing at Youlbury Scout Adventure Centre
• Laser Quest
• Theme park visit
• Aqua Adventure at Cotswold Water Park
• BBQ and water sports
A huge thank you to the RAF Association (RAFA) and BFBS for their generous donations, which helped
make these outings affordable for our families. We also extend our gratitude to all the volunteers who contributed to making these trips a great success.
Keep checking Teams or Facebook for updates on future events arranged by the Community Support Team.
Total Safety Day
RAF Brize Norton held its annual Total Safety Day in September, designed to reinforce and promote the importance of safety in all aspects of operations on the ground and in the air, ensuring that all personnel operate in the safest possible environment.
Total Safety Day raised awareness across the entire RAF Brize Norton community about the critical role safety plays in maintaining operational effectiveness. With a focus on a range of themes, including health and safety, flight safety and accident investigation, the event underscores the RAF's commitment to safeguarding its personnel, equipment, and missions.
The day started with an opening address from Group Captain Henton who highlighted the importance of safety in everyone’s day-to-day operations across Station. Stalls and stands included interactive displays, examples of safe practice, specialist equipment and a live demonstration from RAF Brize Norton Fire & Rescue. Commander Air Wing, Group Captain McIntyre closed the event, with a focus on air safety.
Master Aircrew Hicks organised this year’s event. He said:
“As the organiser of this year’s event, myself and my team who put the day together were pleased to see from the very start many in attendance, engaging with the stands and guest speakers, including a steady flow of arrivals throughout the day. The day was a huge success and helped to continually reinforce the importance of safety standards across the Station”
The annual event continues to foster a culture of safety and next year's day is already being planned.
RAF Brize Norton Road Safety Committee
In 2024, the RAF Brize Norton Road Safety Committee (RSC) delivered a transformative year of leadership and innovation, significantly enhancing safety culture and reducing risk to life across the Station.
With RAF Brize Norton operating 24/7 and hosting one of the RAF’s largest personnel footprints, road traffic accidents and pedestrian safety remain top strategic risks. In response, the RSC led by Squadron Leader Masters and Flight Lieutenant Stanley has acted with urgency and professionalism to address these challenges head-on.
Comprising around 20 RAF and civilian personnel, the RSC meets monthly to tackle critical road safety issues. Their efforts have led to substantial infrastructure improvements, including pothole repairs, refreshed road markings, updated signage, and expanded street lighting coverage.
Beyond infrastructure, the RSC delivered an unprecedented 16 road safety initiatives in 2024, with an emphasis on delivering new and innovative ways to reinforce the importance of road safety, whilst pro-actively engaging with the wider community and Station personnel.
Key highlights included: Road Safety Week – a Station-wide campaign engaging all units, Christmas Drink Drive Campaign – targeting seasonal risk behaviours, Road Safety Roadshow – interactive education for personnel and families and Survive the Drive – a powerful, real-life impact presentation, attended by many ranks across Station. These initiatives were marked by creativity, inclusivity, and a strong focus on behavioural change, embedding a proactive safety mindset across the Station, as well as engaging the wider local community to improve road safety.
To round off a highly successful year, the RSC’s incredible efforts earned 2nd place in the prestigious RAF Rose Bowl Competition, outperforming numerous other units. RAF Brize Norton was subsequently formally submitted for the Annual Defence Road Safety Awards, where they earned 3rd place across Defence, recognising their exemplary contribution to Defence-wide safety goals. This success reflects the RSC’s innovation, dedication, and enduring commitment to safeguarding lives at RAF Brize Norton.
The RSC is always looking for volunteers (Whole Force), to support and bolster road safety at RAF Brize Norton. Please come along to the monthly committee meetings and take part – we cannot do it without you!
Still going strong, three years on, Carterton Community Lunch Club.
Group Captain Henton joined veterans and members of the local community at Carterton Lunch Club in Carterton Methodist Church.
Now in its third year, Reverand Carré, Senior Chaplain led the way, delivering grace and thanks before everyone tucked into a beautiful lunch.
Co-Chairperson Carterton Foodbank
Lynn Little said: “We are all so proud to be able to give something back to the community. Along with volunteers, we bring everyone together; it’s an absolute pleasure.”
As well as a delicious lunch, Group Captain Henton presented a cheque for £1,000.00 on behalf of Carterton Party-inthe-Park Committee, money which was raised at their recent event.
Local resident Doreen Clarke who has lived in Carterton for 60 years said: “This is just wonderful, it means everything to me. The Clarke family have lived in Carterton for over 100 years and events such as these brings everyone together and it’s a great way to meet people and make friends.”
Carterton Lunch Club
Representatives from Air Tanker also attended the lunch, strengthening their support to Carterton Foodbank.
Emma Watson, Supply Chain Senior Buyer at Air Tanker said:
“For two and a half years we’ve supported Carterton Food Bank as one of our charities. Every few months members of Air Tanker come along and help support by serving food to the community. It’s incredibly important to help with these initiatives, they have so many activities for lots of people of all generations, be that young families right through to the pensioners who are here with us today. They’re an amazing team and for us to be able to help with that means a lot to us and them.”
A fabulous afternoon had by all. A final thought from Group Captain Henton: “Lunches like this are a fabulous way to see our veterans and our community in Carterton get together, socialise, catch
up and engage with RAF Brize Norton. It gives the Station the opportunity to give something back and it’s a fantastic opportunity for people to get out and see people when they might not always be able to. It means a great deal to see so many veterans here today, who remain actively part of the Carterton/Brize Norton community long after they’ve left service.” To find out more visit: https://cartertonfoodbank.co.uk
Doreen Clarke, who has lived in Carterton for 60 years.
Cheque presentation.
Padre’s Piece Reverend Mark Perry
“Padre, What Do You Do?” It’s a question I get a lot - usually with a curious smile. “Well,” I reply, “I keep myself busy being available.”
I arrived at RAF Brize Norton in August, and I’m thrilled to join the Chaplaincy Team - you’ll find us right opposite the RAF Police Flight and next to the Gym. Whether we’re out and about on Station or in the Chaplaincy Centre, our purpose is simple: to be here for you.
That might mean you spot us strolling across Station, catching up with someone in the corridor, or sharing a cuppa in the Centre. If you see us, don’t be shy - a quick “Hello, Padre” will always be met with a smile.
The Chaplaincy is for everyonewhatever your background, beliefs, or the challenges you’re facing. Sometimes we all need a listening ear, a bit of encouragement, or simply someone to share a laugh with. Our role is to make sure we’re there when you need that. It’s a tradition as old as military chaplaincy itself.
One of my heroes is Padre Geoffrey Studdert Kennedy MC, a WWI Army Chaplain - better known to soldiers as Woodbine Willie for handing out Woodbine cigarettes along with help for the wounded and dying. I can’t offer the cigarettes, but I can offer my time, my presence, and my support - wherever you need it.
I’ve been serving as a chaplain in the RAF for ten years, with previous postings at Lossiemouth, Northolt, Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Marham, St Clement Danes, the Central Church of the RAF, MOD Main Building, and a few places overseas too. Outside work, I’m happiest with a good book, a muddy walk with Alfie, our family cockapoo, and spending time with family and friends.
So, if you ever find yourself wondering, “Padre, what do you do?” – well, now you know.
And if you ever need Chaplaincy help outside normal hours, the RAF Brize Norton Main Guard Room can quickly put you in touch with the Duty Chaplain.
Padre Mark Perry
RAF Veteran Celebrates 100th
An RAF Veteran in Witney has celebrated his 100th Birthday with family and friends at the Corn Exchange in Witney.
Dennis Bishop, who served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War, was joined by personnel from RAF Brize Norton, who delivered a card from the Station Commander & Commander Air Wing, and a cake baked by RAF Chef Corporal Bowers.
A well known and respected member of the Witney and West Oxfordshire Community, Denis was joined by the Mayor of Witney Andrew Bailey.
He said:
“Dennis is central to our community. He’s often seen here at the Corn Exchange, playing the piano and meeting people. He was core to our VE and VJ Day celebrations recently and hearing him talking about his memories of the Second World War and post war years, shows his wealth of knowledge. He has such a passion for the RAF
and his time serving, so it was a real privilege to be here with him today to celebrate such a significant milestone with all his friends, family and RAF Brize Norton.”
Dennis served as a ground radio operator in Normandy during the Second World War, and spent time in service in France, Belgium, Germany, and Africa.
New Fund Ambassadors
Corporal Neil Robinson and Natalie Evans have joined the RAF's leading welfare charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund, as new ambassadors for 2025.
This year, nine new ambassadors from across the UK join the existing programme, each bringing personal experiences of how the Fund has supported them –through practical, financial, or emotional assistance. From veterans rebuilding their lives after service, to families overcoming personal challenges, their stories highlight the life-changing impact of the Fund’s work.
Neil, 37, has been in the air force for nearly 15 years and is currently based at RAF Brize Norton working as an air and space operations specialist with 30 Squadron. He is about to start a new role at UK Space Command. Neil has a close connection with the Fund, having reached out for mental health support when he was feeling apprehensive about his deployment to Cyprus where he would have to leave his family for a
Natalie Evans, 21, has been a part of the RAF Family since birth, with her father now a Warrant Officer in his 27th year of service as an engineer. Spending her early years at RAF Wittering, Natalie joined her local Airplay Youth Club at eight years old. Airplay is the RAF Benevolent Fund’s national youth programme, offering youth club sessions on RAF stations for children aged five to 18. For Natalie, Airplay made the transition of moving homes a lot easier and helped her make friends. Because of her experience, she decided to become a Sessional Airplay Youth Worker at RAF Brize Norton, where she now works with RAF children and young people.
Natalie said: “I am thrilled to join the RAF Benevolent Fund’s ambassador programme. The Fund’s support has been incredible during my time growing up in the RAF.
period of time. Neil received Listening and Counselling sessions which helped him cope with the transition.
Neil has also fundraised for the Fund and, at the RAF Benevolent Fund 2024 Awards, won ‘Outstanding Support from an Individual’ for his involvement in organising the C130 challenge, commemorating the retirement of the iconic RAF C-130 Hercules aircraft.
Neil said: “I am thrilled to join the RAF Benevolent Fund’s ambassador programme. The Fund’s support has been incredible in supporting me during a challenging time in my career. I am excited to have the opportunity to give back through this programme, helping to raise awareness of the vital work of the Fund, and encourage those who may be in need to seek support.”
I am excited to have the opportunity to give back through this programme, helping to raise awareness of the vital work of the Fund, and encourage those who may be in need to seek support.”
Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot, CEO of the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “We are proud to welcome our new cohort of ambassadors, who each bring a powerful combination of lived experience and deep understanding of the RAF Family. Having served themselves and benefitted from our support, they offer an authentic voice and a unique perspective. Their stories inspire connection, raise awareness, and
remind us of the enduring strength and resilience within our community. We are honoured to have them as part of our amazing Fund team.”
Neil and Natalie will represent the Fund in their new ambassador roles at community events, engaging with the public and stakeholders, and sharing their lived experiences to raise awareness of the Fund’s mission, to ensure that no member of the RAF Family faces adversity alone.
"4x4x48" challenge to raise funds for Homeless Oxfordshire
Between 02 – 04 Apr, a team of five people from RAF Brize Norton, Mrs Amber Hughes BEM, FS Jones, Sgt Blayney, Cpl Lyon, and AS1 Bevan took on the mighty David Goggins “4x4x48” challenge to raise funds for Homeless Oxfordshire.
The team had been training and preparing for the challenge, that requires participants to run 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours, since November 2024. Those six months came round very quickly!
The weather forecast for the event was almost perfect. With the sun shining and a crowd of people there to cheer us on, we set off on the first of 13 runs at 1200 on Wednesday. Everyone finished their initial runs easily within the hour, which gave us plenty of time to rest and refuel.
One of the hardest parts of this challenge was easily the midnight and 0400 runs. After finishing each run, time was needed to stretch, eat, and unwind before trying to sleep. At times starting the next run on
as little as an hour of sleep but the morale between us all never wavered and we kept each other’s spirits high.
Although this was a team event, different levels of fitness and fatigue meant running solo a lot of the time, which required a lot of mental resilience from everyone. However, we had plenty of support during this event with people even coming out to join us at midnight and 0400 which was such a great boost to morale.
At 1200 on Friday, with some sore joints and a lot of blisters, we set off on our final and happiest run of four miles, as we knew we could rest afterwards and finally get more than two hours of sleep, having completed a total of 48 miles!
Sgt Blayney said, "We managed to raise £1,200 for Homeless Oxfordshire, so I would like to thank everyone that donated and everyone that supported us in any way before, during or after the 48 hours.”
The team at the start of their challenge.
Whether you’re a veteran, family member of serving personnel, work alongside the RAF or a member of the RAF community, we’re here for you.
We are offering free online and in-person mental wellbeing training courses, specific to your RAF connection, that will help you overcome some of the struggles you may face.
The course will help you to see things differently and learn practical steps to tackle some of your biggest challenges –or those experienced by the people you care about – helping you and others to take the first steps to get back on your feet and take control of your life.
Supported by:
The RAF Association’s Connections for Life service aims to fight loneliness with friendship and for Squadron Leader Steve Jones, the joy of being a CfL volunteer came full circle.
Steve began his CfL journey in 2020 during the Coronavirus pandemic as he wanted to make sure that veterans in the local area were being cared for in a time of global uncertainty.
“I started making the calls and it ended up with me making over 700 phone calls during that year.
“As things calmed down, I found myself having regular calls with 12 veterans of different ages, just making sure they were ok, having chats about, not only their time in the service, but about all aspect of their lives. They made me feel like one of the family.
“It was hugely important to me that we made sure our veterans were well looked after.”
Having helped to make sure so many veterans were not left feeling isolated, Steve was then hit by a personal crisis of his own but was able to get through it thanks to the help and support of his beneficiaries.
“I was diagnosed with head and neck cancer in April last year, after months of major surgery and stays in hospital, I then went through radiotherapy and chemotherapy and I was in touch with the RAFA team throughout,” he said.
“Unfortunately, during my treatment, I lost my voice, ability to eat or drink and swallow so I was not able to make my regular calls to my beneficiaries, but I was able to get messages to them via Alex my coordinator.
“I spent a month in hospital fighting for my life. Everybody was praying for me and the messages I was receiving from my beneficiaries through Alex gave me that extra strength to fight through. My family and I cannot thank them all enough for that support.
“In August, once I was home and starting to recover, I logged onto the system and read the messages where the veterans had been asking after me and wanting regular updates on my progress. That was a really special feeling to know that they were thinking about me.”
The Connections for Life service has been a useful tool for both Steve and the veterans he supports, and now they are all looking forward to a bright future with many stories still to be shared and laughs still to be had.
“Connections for Life is truly special because it doesn’t just focus on older veterans, it aims to look after veterans of all ages whether they’ve served for one day or 40 years,” he said.
“The interactions between us mean just as much to me as they do to the veterans. The support they gave me during the dark times of my illness showed just how much Connections for Life can benefit the volunteer as well as the beneficiary.”
Tailored
One-off
Simple,
Benefits
It gave us the headspace to rearrange our finances and positively plan - I’d encourage anyone in the RAF who needs help to get in touch with the Fund.”
– Serving member of the RAF
The Forces Recruiting website is a hub of useful information for service leavers and veterans.
Established in 2012 to assist service leavers and veterans find employment and training opportunities, it has since grown to also feature the following:
