News articles

RAF Heroes spend Christmas Day Fundraising for the RAFBF

On Christmas day at Headquarters Resolute Support, 5 plucky individuals completed an epic 24-hour Physical training marathon, the 'Physathon', raising over £1600 for the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.

sqn-ldr-steve-riley-pythason

Supported by the wider RAF contingent as well as personnel from all nations of the coalition, the event, organised by Squadron Leader Steve Riley ran, spun, crunched and served their way through a gruelling 24 hours.  

“We pulled together as a team to get each other through, especially through the early hours, when we were getting really tired. The best part though, was seeing all our friends from other nations, including Afghanistan, throw themselves into the challenge.  It was a great experience.” 

Squadron Leader Steve Riley

Steve was joined for the whole 24 hour period by Wing Commander Claire O’Grady, Major Danny Murphy, Flight Lieutenant Daisy Tidbury and Flight Lieutenant Steve Moore. Over the course of the Physathon, the team completed 125 laps of the camp, powered through 4 hours of spinning, completed 45 Workouts of the Day in the Cross fit cage, 6 hours of circuits, a RAF vs Army Volleyball tournament, yoga and pilates to ease the creaking muscles, before ending with a final victory lap of the base. 

personnel-taking-part-in-activities

To keep the team fueled and not miss out on the Christmas Day cheer, Air Commodore Dean Andrew and others brought the team Christmas Dinner, which was gratefully consumed whilst spinning.  The Brass Quintet of the Band of the Royal Armoured Corps even pitched in to keep spirits high.

brass-band-christmas

This is Steve’s 5th Physathon in his career.  Using his motivational and organisational skills, honed through years of experience as a Physical Training Instructor and Training Officer, he was able to draw upon the full support of NATO colleagues, in particular from the UK, USA, Germany, Italy, and Australia to make the event a resounding success. 

“We had a great team, saw a fantastic turnout, so many generous donations, so many smiles and shouts of encouragement, as well as support throughout the whole period from everyone here.” 

Squadron Leader Steve Riley

British troops are deployed in Afghanistan to provide assistance to the Afghan National Security and Defence Forces as part of the wider NATO Resolute Support Mission.  Personnel from all 3 services train, advise and assist their Afghan counterparts in key areas such as developing the Afghan officers of the future at the Afghan National Army Officer Academy, whilst British troops of the Kabul Security Force provide their protection and security as they move around Kabul. The RAF provides a detachment of Puma Helicopters that moves coalition personnel and equipment around the capital.