You may support the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund for many reasons. Perhaps like me, it’s because you carry someone in your heart whose story deserves to be honoured. I’m writing to you as a supporter of the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund. And also as a mum who carries the memory of a beloved son with her every single day.
My son, Corporal Jon Ward, was such a loving, handsome man with the cheekiest of smiles. His friends described him as courageous, kind and genuine - and I wholeheartedly agree.
Jon, like you and me, was a loyal supporter of the charity. By the time of his passing, at just 35, he had raised thousands of pounds for the Fund. He took part in many challenges –from the Loch Ness Marathon, to the North East 250 Challenge and many others. Inspired by the vital work the Fund does to support RAF families, he wanted to give back to them as much as he possibly could.
In Jon’s memory, I am carrying on that mantle of support. (though perhaps not by running marathons!) Instead, each year, I light a candle on the Christmas Tree of Lights and leave a dedication to Jon. I read through the messages left by other supporters who choose to remember their own loved ones in the same way. Sons, daughters, friends, parents. All are honoured and celebrated for the wonderful lives that they led.
If you’ve left a dedication before, then thank you for sharing it in this way. I hope reading through them brings you the same comfort that it brings me.
In the last 2 years, donations given alongside dedications by you and generous people like you have been enough to cover the cost of home adaptations for 10 people. Giving them the independence to continue living safely in their own homes. I like to think that my son continues to help support the RAF Family in this way, through my donating in his memory.
Your donation today will really make a big difference.
Not a day goes by when I don’t think about my precious son. He will never be forgotten. Through the Christmas Tree of Lights his legacy, his life and his achievements live on too.
My thoughts are with you and your loved ones, past and present, this Christmas time.
Warm wishes,
Linda
RAF Benevolent Fund Christmas Tree of Lights 2025
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RAF Benevolent Fund
Published: 22 Oct 2025
Beneficiary
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RAF Benevolent Fund Charity no. 1081009 Email: mail@rafbf.org.uk Tel: 020 7580 8343 |
We provide a range of support aimed at serving and former RAF personnel and their family members. This includes welfare breaks, grants to help with financial difficulty and getting about inside and outside the home, specialist advice on benefits and support with care needs, as well as support for young people through our Airplay programme.
