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RAF personnel deployed in the Middle East support Red Nose Day

Image shows RAF personnel wearing a red nose.
The noses enabled the team to immerse themselves into the event whilst raising money to support people living incredibly tough lives.

Deployed on operations in the Middle East, Royal Air Force personnel have raised money for Comic Relief by participating in Red Nose Day 2021.

The Group Warrant Officer, Warrant Officer Scott Andrews, came up with the idea that personnel deployed to Al Udeid Air Base should get involved with Red Nose Day, not only to raise money to support people in need but also to inject some fun into a deployment away from friends and family. 

“A big thank you to all those supporting this year’s Red Nose Day. It has never felt so important to have fun and raise money in the process. The money we raise will support people that are far less fortunate than ourselves. So, by raising a laugh, purchasing a red nose will help people that lead incredibly tough lives.

“A huge thank you to Flight Lieutenant Lucy Heal who has been the driving force behind an idea and delivering a great Red Nose Day event here in Al Udeid.”

Warrant Officer Scott Andrews

Image shows RAF personnel wearing red noses.
UK Armed Forces are deployed to the Middle East to support counter Daesh operations as part of the 83-member strong Global Coalition.

Flight Lieutenant Lucy Heal, Officer Commanding Deployed Logistics Group, who deployed from 2 Mechanical Transport at RAF Wittering in November 2020, sourced the iconic red noses and arranged for them to be delivered to Al Udeid Air Base. The noses enabled the team to immerse themselves into the event whilst raising money to support people living incredibly tough lives. 

In the spirit of the charities mission, ‘to drive positive change through the power of entertainment’, and with red noses donned, Flight Lieutenant Heal also sourced a variety of prizes which included free car washes, a commission for a drawing of a pet and a brunch delivery service. She hosted a silent auction and raised a total of £354.35 for Comic Relief.

“Celebrating Red Nose Day and fundraising for Comic Relief has been incredibly fun. The idea was to bring a bit of morale to a high-tempo detachment and a bit of ‘home’ to all deployed pers. It’s an opportunity for serving parents to connect with their children who may be celebrating at school in the UK. It has brought the three different elements (83 EAG, 901 EAW and JFCIS) together as well as raising money for a worthwhile cause.”

Flight Lieutenant Lucy Heal

Image shows RAF personnel wearing red noses.

Donations collected for Red Nose Day help tackle important issues including homelessness, hunger, domestic abuse and mental health stigma, all of which have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The money raised goes towards supporting amazing organisations across the UK and around the world.

Warrant Officer Andrews added, “There are so many ways that you can continue to support and donate if you have missed the occasion, just go online and type in ‘Red Nose Day’.” 

Image shows RAF personnel wearing red noses.

UK Armed Forces are deployed to the Middle East to support counter Daesh operations as part of the 83-member strong Global Coalition. Participating in activities to raise money for charity is a great opportunity for our personnel to have some fun whilst supporting a worthwhile cause. It also provides respite from delivering air operations, which has recently seen the Royal Air Force play a significant role in supporting an Iraqi led ground operation to eliminate Daesh terrorists. The series of air strikes included the first operational use of Storm Shadow by a UK Typhoon aircraft.

Image shows military personnel wearing red noses.