DEAR editor,

This Mother’s Day I will be thinking about all that RAF mums do for the country in supporting their husbands and children.

As a former Jaguar and Tornado pilot with the RAF, I was away on operations for long periods of time, leaving my wife Janette holding the fort and looking after our two young children.

I know these times were not easy for her, but she met them stoically and without complaint, even when I had to deploy with my Squadron just a handful of weeks after our son was born.

Thanks to the RAF Benevolent Fund RAF mums and families have much more support these days when their loved ones are sent away. We have provided schemes like Airplay youth clubs and childcare centres on RAF stations to give youngsters a welcome activity and, as importantly, some respite for the lone parent with many other worries on their mind.

Our support continues into retirement for veterans who have left the service, which is why the RAF Benevolent Fund is launching an appeal to find more RAF veterans who might need our help, specifically in Wales.

The message of this campaign is simple; if you or your partner were ever in the RAF and are in financial need, or need advice and guidance in other areas which worry you, we will try to help.

To find out more about the RAF Benevolent Fund and how we help the RAF family go to rafbf.org

Air Marshal Chris Nickols,

Controller RAF Benevolent Fund