The hard work carried out by hundreds in Moray on behalf of the RAF Benevolent Fund was recognised at a special lunch on Tuesday.
The RAFBF’s new Regional Director, Debbie Hunter, took the opportunity to thank dozens of volunteers who have been behind a series of spectacular and not so spectacular events over the last year – all with the aim of boosting funds for the vital service charity.
Joined by regional fundraiser Kate Galbraith, Debbie gave a personal thanks at the lunch in the XV(R) Squadron crew room for some of the service and community representatives who had helped to raise £16,700 over the last year – taking the RAFBF Lossiemouth total to £24,500.
Debbie, who is just three months into her job as regional director for the fund with responsibility for Scotland, Northern Ireland and part of the North East of England, said she had been “amazed” at the dedication and hard work undertaken in Moray.
She said: “I have become very aware of the high regard that the Moray community as a whole has for the RAFBF – and it has been fantastic meeting some of the people involved in fundraising here.”
Debbie spent some time meeting people who had benefited from the work of the RAFBF – including a visit to Airplay, part of a support programme for young people living at RAF stations.
She said: “I met with a young person who was raving about Airplay – but it has also been wonderful to be able to meet people who have been assisted by the RAFBF at times when they have really needed that support.
“It was also been fantastic being able to meet some of the people behind some great fundraising events for us. It has been wonderful – everyone I’ve spoken to have been so enthusiastic about helping the fund.
“I’ve been hearing about the range of things they have been doing and it is amazing, from climbing mountains, marathon runs and the incredible ‘RAF Way Round’ motorcycle event, to simpler things like setting up stalls at fairs and festivals.
“The work of all those I met at RAF Lossiemouth and the many more who could not be there is inspiring.”
Local co-ordinator for the fund, Karen Cox, added: “The lunch provided a great opportunity for us to thank those behind events such as the RAF Way Round and Ben Nevis Challenge, as well as the promotional support we have had from such as Windswept Brewers and the Spookworks rally team.
“In addition we were pleased to be able to thank those who took part on our behalf in the Baxters 10k and 5k and Lossie Speyraiders events.”