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C o m m u n i t y Be Part of The RAF Association show two aspects of their Support to Serving Families


Storybook Wings Storybook Wings is a scheme aimed at providing a link between deployed parents and their children by enabling parents to record stories, nursery rhymes and poems for their children to listen to whilst they are away.


The project is run by the stations via RAF Community Support. Stories are edited and appropriate sound effects added before the recording is put onto a CD and sent out to your child.


Flight Sergeant Dean Bradley the Service Community Support Officer (SCSO) at Leeming, said: “It is an outstanding idea and so simple. It only takes 30 minutes of your time to bring so much comfort to your family at such a very stressful time for them.”


RAF Leeming is soon to be involved in a major deployment and Dean is hoping that more and more will take advantage of the opportunity. He added: “People can initially be nervous and hesitant about making the recordings, but after a few minutes they see it really is an easy process. Those who


have taken part think it is a fabulous idea. When the recordings are made, it is just like sitting next to your child and reading them a bedtime story.”


For more information on the scheme, or if you would consider becoming one of the RAF Association’s volunteer editors, please contact Notzarina Reevers: 0116 268 8754 or email storybookwings@rafa.org.uk


Stations with recorders include: Akrotiri, Basra, Benson, Cottesmore, Gibraltar, Honington, Kandahar, Kinloss, Kuwait, Leeming, Leuchars, Lossiemouth, Lyneham, Marham, Odiham, St Athan, Henlow and Wittering


Recorders are on their way to: Al-Udeid, Digby, Boulmer, Halton, Corsham, High Wycombe, Cosford, Northolt, Cranwell and Valley. Please address enquiries to OC PMS on the unit.


With a little Respite Care During his service, Sergeant Mark Ratcliffe’s wife Katherine suffered many health problems. Doctors had always assumed Katherine was suffering from


ME, but two year ago they received the devastating news that she was suffering from Multiple Sclerosis.


The disease became severe and Katherine is often wheelchair bound and in need of round-the-clock care. Electric shocks sear through her body and she can be left numb down one side and in considerable pain.


Mark left the RAF to care for his wife and to help look after their three-year- old daughter. The RAF Association’s help provided friendship and a listening ear. And in partnership with other Service charities they were able to make Katherine’s garden accessible to her. They have also provided a 24-hour alert system and a wheelchair to allow Katherine some independence. Mark is now able to go out of the house safe in the knowledge that if Katherine needs assistance it is only a button push away.


The Swiss branch of the Association also gave them money to take a holiday abroad. Mark and Katherine say the break has completely re-energised them as a couple. Katherine said: “We had lost our way as a couple and we are so grateful.”


To find out more about the RAF Association go to: www.rafa.co.uk


34 Autumn 2009 www.raf-ff.org.uk


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