The RAF Benevolent Fund is delighted to have received a generous £70,000 donation from The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. The Tattoo has been a huge support to the Fund over the last 75 years, providing £1.3 million in grants, enabling the Fund to continue its vital work supporting members of the RAF Family in Scotland.
The donation will provide financial assistance for RAF veterans and their families during their time of need. This includes grants towards job loss, ill-health and bereavement; unexpected home repairs, home adaptations and mobility aids; daily living costs such as food and transport; and grants to top up domiciliary or residential care fees. The grants will help improve the independence, quality of life, and physical and emotional wellbeing of those supported.
One person who has benefitted from this support is Elizabeth Boyall, an RAF veteran from Lossiemouth who received a financial grant from the Fund while she was recovering from breast cancer. The Fund replaced windows in Elizabeth’s home that were 35 years old, as well as her draughty, single-glazed front door, which caused the house to be extremely cold.
Elizabeth said:
“It was always very cold in my house and when I was going through my cancer treatment, it was miserable. I was off work for three months once the treatment had finished and felt like I would never be able to get these things done to the house. I was always worried about the work that needed doing, and that contributed to my low mood and how I felt about life generally.”
She added:
“The support showed me that there was somebody out there to help me, and I felt like someone cared – I didn’t feel so hopeless. I’m so grateful.”
Air Commodore Simon Harper, Director of Welfare at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said:
“As always, we are so thankful for the ongoing support provided by The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, which has helped to positively change the lives of RAF veterans and their families living in Scotland. We look forward to continuing our longstanding relationship with the Tattoo and helping more members of the RAF Family in need.”
Jason Barrett, Chief Executive of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo said:
“We are privileged to be able to support remarkable charities like the RAF Benevolent Fund. Providing support to our military communities and supporting the traditional arts in Scotland is a core part of our mission and has been since we began in 1950.
“In 2025 we celebrate 75 years of the Tattoo and, with that, the Show The Heroes Who Made Us. This year’s Show will shine a light on the heroes across the Tattoo, military and wider society in Scotland who help better the lives of others through their efforts, to take audiences on a journey through our history. We’re proud to be able to share this with our charitable partners and the fantastic work they do.”
The Tattoo is a huge immersive event held annually during August and will take place between 1-23 August 2025. This year, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a show entitled ‘The Heroes Who Made Us’.
As well as the RAF Benevolent Fund, the Tattoo also supports the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, ABF The Soldier’s Charity, and arts charities within the UK.
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, free memberships for Headspace, Airplay youth clubs, and more.
