Letter: By joining the search, you have the potential to change a life

This letter sent to the Star was written by Air Vice-Marshal David Murray, Chief executive of the RAF Benevolent Fund
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Jun 2019, 08:46 BST
Updated 1st Jul 2019, 05:18 BST
Operation Overlord (The Normandy Landings): D-Day 6 June 1944, The British 2nd Army: second-wave troops of 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade, probably Highland Light Infantry of Canada, disembarking with bicycles from LCI(L)s (Landing Craft Infantry Large) onto 'Nan White' Beach, JUNO Area at Bernieres-sur-Mer, shortly before midday on 6 June 1944. (Photo by Canadian Official Photographer/ IWM via Getty Images)Operation Overlord (The Normandy Landings): D-Day 6 June 1944, The British 2nd Army: second-wave troops of 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade, probably Highland Light Infantry of Canada, disembarking with bicycles from LCI(L)s (Landing Craft Infantry Large) onto 'Nan White' Beach, JUNO Area at Bernieres-sur-Mer, shortly before midday on 6 June 1944. (Photo by Canadian Official Photographer/ IWM via Getty Images)
Operation Overlord (The Normandy Landings): D-Day 6 June 1944, The British 2nd Army: second-wave troops of 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade, probably Highland Light Infantry of Canada, disembarking with bicycles from LCI(L)s (Landing Craft Infantry Large) onto 'Nan White' Beach, JUNO Area at Bernieres-sur-Mer, shortly before midday on 6 June 1944. (Photo by Canadian Official Photographer/ IWM via Getty Images)

I was proud and humbled to see the nation pause to remember all those who sacrificed so much in the defence of our freedoms on D-Day at the 75th anniversary last month. As the RAF’s leading welfare charity, it is our privilege to provide support for Second World War veterans in need. But it is not just that generation, we believe all those who did their duty for this country by serving in the RAF deserve our help.

That’s why we’re launching a nationwide search, asking for the public’s help to find RAF veterans and their families from all generations who have fallen off the radar and urgently need help.

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Whether they fought in wars, from the Second World War, Korea, through to the Falklands and Gulf Wars, or if they served during the Cold War, or did their National Service, then they are part of our family, the RAF Family.

Last year, we supported 23 people across Sheffield and we want to double that number over the next three years, but we need your help.

The chances are, all of us know someone who served in the RAF, a relative, former colleague, friend or neighbour, and if they need support, they need to be put in touch with us.

We can provide a range of support, from financial assistance, to telephone friendship groups to help fight loneliness and welfare breaks. But to do this, we need to get veterans back on the radar.

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Military people are proud people. They often find it difficult to ask for help. Or they may not realise help is available to them or that they’re eligible. That’s why we’re asking the public to help find them, so we can help them.

As we honour all our current serving personnel this Armed Forces Day, please remember, if you know someone who served with the RAF and needs our help, visit rafbf.org or call 0300 102 1919.

By joining the search, you have the potential to change a life.

Related topics:David MurrayRAF Benevolent FundSheffield