RAF veterans Richard ‘John’ Smith and Paul Colley have never met in person, but they have struck up a strong friendship through Connections for Life, the RAF Association’s befriending service.
The pair have exchanged letters for over a year now and both are reaping the benefits of their friendship.
John, 88, decided to become a Connections for Life volunteer after seeing an advert in Air Mail, the RAF Association’s member magazine. “Admittedly, I tick the boxes for being a recipient – widower, mid-eighties, living alone, hopeless without specs and hearing aids – but feel I can buck the trend and contribute,” said John.
Seventy-one-year-old Paul, who became a Connections for Life volunteer in 2022, said: “I just thought it was an interesting opportunity to connect with other people and help others.”
Paul and John joined the service to help other people but found they themselves benefitted from receiving each other’s letters.
“The original concept of becoming a Connections for Life volunteer may have been to brighten the lives of recipients, but I’ve found it’s brightened mine,” said John.
“It brightens your day when you get that letter,” said Paul. It’s a joy to read John’s letters and find out what he’s been up to.”
For Paul in particular, John’s letters have been a source of comfort following a family bereavement.
“Being able to put everything down on paper and share it with John has been a massive help. I have been able to unload, and it’s made me feel a bit better.”
For anyone thinking about joining Connections for Life, John and Paul are full of encouragement.
“If you can string a sentence together, you can write a letter. We’ve all got tales to tell, and it helps other people to share them,” said Paul.
John added: “Go for it! Surprise yourself with what you can do.”
Find out more about Connections for Life here
