Luke Pollard visited the RAF Benevolent Fund head office last week, to meet with representatives from the RAF welfare charity alongside other members of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Trust.  

He and a group of MPs learned about the military charity sector, the RAF Benevolent Fund’s welfare support services for both serving and retired RAF personnel, and the Fund’s centenary campaign, Join The Search. Change A Life. The campaign encourages members of the public to help the charity find potential beneficiaries who are often reluctant to ask for help and, if they need it, offer them the support that is rightfully theirs. 

Luke said: 

“It’s amazing to see our Armed Forces give back when they already give us so much.

“It’s been eye-opening to learn about what the RAF Benevolent Fund is doing and the importance of the wider military charity sector. We know those in the Armed Forces face a unique set of challenges, so getting to hear about these first-hand has been invaluable. I’d like to thank the RAF for giving me an insight into this, and for all of the work that they do.” 

The guests also had the chance to listen to former Senior Aircraftman and Fund Ambassador Mike Goody share his story. Mike was on patrol with the RAF Regiment in Afghanistan in 2008 when his vehicle struck an IED. Mike was trapped underneath for three hours and the impact shattered almost every bone in his lower left leg. After two and a half years of painful rehabilitation, Mike took the difficult decision to have his leg amputated below the knee. 

He explained to the attending MPs how the RAF Benevolent Fund supported him in the aftermath of his accident and what life has been like since. 

Air Vice-Marshal David Murray, Chief Executive of the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “We are always keen to promote the work going on here at the Fund on a daily basis, whether that is to the public or to members of parliament. This is an exciting time as we enter the second year of our centenary campaign, and we appreciate any support in helping to identify any members of the RAF family who might be in need of our support.”