Caption: (L-R) Colin Bell at the American Military Cemetery at Madingley, credit Mark Vickers; Colin Bell at the RAF Benevolent Fund Garden at Chelsea Flower Show 2022, credit Ollie Dixon; Colin Bell at RAF Wyton
Former Flight Lieutenant Colin Bell (DFC AE FRICS), 102, is taking part in an extraordinary fundraising challenge to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund, London’s Air Ambulance and The Royal College of Nursing Foundation.
The former Mosquito Bomber Pilot did a sponsored walk between the 21-23 August, visiting places significant to his wartime role during World War Two. Colin did his walk in three stages over three days – on the first day Colin walked from the Churchill College Cambridge to the American Military Cemetery in Madingley, accompanied by Randolph Churchill, Winston Churchill’s great-grandson. On the second day, Colin visited RAF Wyton, where he underwent his conversion training on Mosquito Bombers; and on the third day, Colin walked to RAF Downham Market, Bexwell Church and the VCs Memorial.
And if that wasn’t enough, Colin will also be abseiling 17 storeys down the Royal London Hospital, the highest elevated helipad in Europe, on the 14 September.
Colin, from Royal Tunbridge Wells, was born in 1921 and joined the RAF towards the end of 1940. His flying training was carried out in America prior to their entry into War (before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour) in December 1941. Colin carried out 50 bombing raids over Germany, including 13 over Berlin.
Colin said:
“I may be 102 years old but I want to do my bit and raise money for these amazing charities. I’m glad to be doing something that can help – quite frankly at my age, I’m glad to be doing anything!
“The RAF Benevolent Fund does the most amazing job in supporting members of the RAF Family though thick and thin, providing practical, emotional and financial support whenever it is needed. I would hugely appreciate and encourage any donations!”
You can donate to Colin’s fundraiser here.
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.
