This summer marks the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. In order to commemorate this event, and to express appreciation to those serving in the RAF today, I'd like to urge your readers to take part in the RAF Benevolent Fund's "Heartfelt Thanks" campaign.
The campaign, launched by TV presenter Lorraine Kelly in June, gives people the opportunity to write their own personal message of thanks to members of the RAF, both past and present. This is easily done either online at www. rafbf.org/thanks or on cards available at air shows and RAF Benevolent Fund events.
All the messages gathered are being presented to some of the few surviving veterans of the Battle as part of the 70th anniversary celebrations this month although messages will continue to be collected until the end of the year, creating an invaluable public record.
I'd urge everyone to write a "Heartfelt Thanks" message and play their part in acknowledging what Winston Churchill called "The Debt We Owe" to the remarkable men and women of the Royal Air Force.
Finally, if you would like to find out how the RAF Benevolent Fund helps to repay that debt by assisting RAF families in your area, or how you can help support our work as the RAF's leading welfare charity, please contact our regional office using the details below. – Martin Henshaw, RAF?Benevolent Fund Regional Director, Wales and West of England. Telephone 01993 844716; email martin.henshaw @rafbf.org.uk