RAF Benevolent Fund supporter Jacob Newson, known as ‘Jacob the Pilot’ has won the ‘Young Fundraiser of the Year’ at this year’s Pride of Britain Awards.
Jacob, 10, has raised more than £150,000 for charity, including over £45,000 for the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s leading welfare charity, since 2019.
Jacob was invited to watch the RAF Red Arrows display team at RAF Waddington, when, after performing a series of loops and stunts, Squadron Leader Jon Bond climbed out of the cockpit and handed him a golden envelope, informing him of his achievement.
The young fundraiser was just seven when his mum Andrea passed away, and since then has tackled a series of fundraising challenges to raise money for St Gemma’s Hospice, where his mum was treated, and the Fund.
With a love of planes and flying since he was a young child, Jacob has completed challenges including climbing Pen-y-Ghent and the Three Peaks in Yorkshire; walking 30 miles in two days from RAF Manston in Ramsgate to the Battle of Britain Memorial in Folkestone; and trekking Ben Nevis. In 2021, Jacob won the ‘Above and Beyond’ Award at the prestigious RAF Benevolent Fund Annual Awards Ceremony.
Jacob told The Mirror:
“When Red One came down the steps with an envelope I was confused, but when I opened it I realised I had a Pride of Britain Award, and I feel so special. My motto is ‘never back down, never give up.‘ So every time I’m doing a challenge, I always say that to myself and it always keeps me going through all the tough times.
“I must be the Red Arrows’ biggest fan, so if I had to give today a mark out of ten, I’d say 100.”
Ben Alonso, Director of Fundraising at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said:
“Jacob has been fundraising for the RAF Benevolent Fund since 2019, raising thousands of pounds to support members of the RAF Family during their time of need.
“It’s heartwarming to see that Jacob’s passion for all things RAF remains sky-high – all of us at the Fund are incredibly grateful for Jacob’s support and congratulate him on his well-deserved win.”
The RAF Benevolent Fund provides financial, emotional, and practical assistance to serving and retired RAF personnel and their families. This includes grants to help with financial difficulty, mental health support, Airplay youth clubs, and more.
Jacob will receive his award at the 25th anniversary Pride of Britain Awards, to be broadcast at 8pm on ITV1.
