Over 250 RAF personnel took up the sporting challenge to run, cycle, walk, horse ride, canoe (or anything else without motor power) 50 miles each in one week to raise funds for the RAF Association.
The participants, based in the UK, Cyprus, the Falklands, USA, Romania, Oman and the United Arab Emirates, collectively covered more than 14,000 miles and raised £12,000 for the charity’s vital work with the RAF community.
Since being launched in 2020, when people weren’t able to do group fundraising events due to COVID-19 restrictions, the annual summer RAFA Virtual 50 event has raised almost £80,000.
Flt Lt Marc Speed, who was among this year’s top fundraisers, said:
“I covered my 50 miles in the heat of the countryside around RAF Akrotiri. It had seemed like a good idea beforehand, but it turned out to be a really tough challenge!
“Thankfully, the support of my friends and colleagues on the station gave me the drive to complete the half-century distance, and raise funds for a great cause.”
People can still show their support for all those who took part over the summer by donating to the 2022 RAFA Virtual 50 Just Giving page.
Image caption: Flt Lt Marc Speed, based at RAF Akrotiri, completes this year’s RAFA Virtual 50 for the RAF Association. Picture supplied by UK MOD © Crown copyright 2022
Virtual 50
The RAF Association‘s walking, running, rowing or cycling challenge is back for 2023.
For more information about 2023’s RAFA Virtual 50, which will run from Monday 24 July to Sunday 30 July and to register your interest, simply click the button below.
