Independence Restored
We salute the amazing organisations supporting the needs of veterans who have served our country
In 2005, while based at RAF Leuchars, fell off a 20ft high cargo net while on an assault course as part of a training exercise,” says former RAF nurse Joanna Martin. “My spinal cord was severed, leaving me with no feeling or movement from my chest down.
“I had nine months of rehabilitation in a hospital spinal unit and was left unable to walk and in a wheelchair, although with full use of my arms.
“I couldn’t go back to live in my house and the RAF Benevolent Fund ver y kindly funded most of the renovation costs of an old bungalow for me, creating a wet room, adapting a kitchen, providing new windows, central heating, ramps… Without all these features in place, I wouldn’t have been able to live independently.
“I was just blown away by the amount of help I was given. As a squadron we had done various fundraising activities for the charity, but I hadn’t appreciated the scope of the help that they can provide.
“I’m now one of the ambassadors for the RAF Benevolent Fund. I fundraise for them and I go out and speak on their behalf as well. Through the Fund I also went out to Tel Aviv to compete in the Veteran Games last year, with mixed teams from Israel and the UK. It was an amazing experience.
“There will be a lot of veterans out there who either don’t know that the funds exist or don’t think that the charity can help them, although you only have to have served for a day in the RAF to be eligible for help. For some people that could mean an actual house or assistance with rent.
“One girl I spoke to was delighted because the charity had funded a new set of teeth for her grandpa, and that had meant the world to him.
“Ever y little bit of support helps the charity to help veterans and their families. They look after ever yone from children right through to old age. It is an amazing organisation.”
The RAF Benevolent Fund has looked after RAF serving personnel, veterans and their families, for over 100 years. If you know someone in need, or are in need of support yourself, visit www.rafbf.org