The RAF Benevolent Fund is thrilled to announce that The Blades Aerobatic Team have chosen to champion the charity for an eighth year running, cementing their support for the RAF Family in 2022.
The team, made up of former RAF fast-jet pilots, have raised more than £200,000 for the Fund over the years and were celebrated at the RAF Benevolent Fund Awards in 2021, winning plaudits with Outstanding Support from an Organisation.
Last year the team’s efforts included a Hardest Day Challenge, taking on the Dambusters Ride and championing the Fund’s Air Cadets 80th anniversary campaign. With restrictions from the pandemic easing, the team are confident of another bumper year of support to the Fund, raising vital funds and awareness at air shows, events and beyond.
Team Leader and Blade 1 Andy Evans said: “We are delighted to support the RAF Benevolent Fund for another year. Our partnership has gone from strength to strength since and it’s been heartening to know that the funds and awareness we’ve raised has made a real difference to members of the RAF Family in need. I know all too well how vital that support is, with the RAF Benevolent Fund supporting my daughter many years ago. That’s what makes our partnership both inspiring and rewarding, knowing that the Fund makes a real difference, to real people.
“Although the pandemic has hampered how we could support the charity over the last few years, we still made fantastic fundraising strides with various initiatives. . We’re looking forward to hitting the ground running this year and building on our great partnership to spread the Fund’s message further.”
Jason Shauness, Director of Fundraising and Communications at the RAF Benevolent Fund said: “We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved with the Blades over the last year, despite the challenges the coronavirus pandemic has posed. Having supported two of the pilots directly, we know how much this relationship means to the whole of the Blades team.
“Thanks to the Blades’ unwavering support, we’ve been able to continue providing welfare services for the RAF Family. We’re hugely looking forward to the year ahead, building on the partnership to continue supporting RAF personnel, veterans and their families.”
The RAF Benevolent Fund provides financial, emotional, and practical assistance to serving and retired RAF personnel and their families. This includes grants to help with financial difficulty, free memberships for Headspace, Airplay youth clubs, and more. For further information, please visit rafbf.org.
