82-Year-Old Celebrated After Raising More Than £100k For Charity

Wednesday, 7 October 2020 10:59

A charity fundraiser from Sussex has been recognised for his efforts - after he raised more than £100k for the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Eighty-two-year-old Brian Smith's project, The Spitfire Experience, has been shortlisted in the Outstanding Support from an Organisation category after raising more than £100K for the charity, including £30K in 2019, alone.

Brian, a former RAF Physical Training Instructor who went on to become a commercial pilot, created the Spitfire Experience when he retired.

He built the Spitfire simulator around a restored Spitfire cockpit in a barn at his home in Wisborough Green. All the profits generated from ‘pilots’ who take a flight in the iconic Second World War fighter plane are donated to the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Brian said:

“I wanted to do something to raise money for veterans and to support the RAF in some way and this seemed like a very good way of doing that. I am delighted we have been able to raise so much.

“As well as myself, I have six volunteer instructors who give their time to support the Fund. We really feel like we’re part of the RAF Benevolent Fund family.”

As well as running the Spitfire simulator experience, Brian and his wife Cecelia have held Battle of Britain dinners and attended Goodwood to raise funds for the charity.

Mike Straney, Director of Fundraising and Communications at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said:

“Brian and Cecilia’s nomination for this award is well deserved – what they have done for the Fund is nothing short of incredible.

“Undoubtedly their contribution to the Fund has allowed us to continue to make an impact on the welfare of the whole RAF Family, particularly during this challenging year.”

Now in its eighth year, the RAF Benevolent Fund Awards recognise the outstanding contributions of its supporters, personnel on stations and corporate partners who support the charity each year. The winners of eight categories will be announced during a virtual ceremony on October 13.

The RAF Benevolent Fund is the RAF’s leading welfare charity, supporting RAF personnel past and present.

If you know an RAF veteran in need, go to rafbf.org to find out how the Fund could help.