FUNDRAISING reached a crescendo after an annual military concert raised thousands of pounds for servicemen in need.
Cheques totalling £2,148 were officially handed over to the RAF Benevolent Fund, the RAF’s primary welfare charity, an organisation that has worked tirelessly since 1919 to help serving and veteran servicemen and their families.
The Northern Military Music Group organised its latest concert with the help of sponsor Sherwoods Vauxhall, which operates dealerships in Darlington Stockton and Northallerton.
The fifth in a series, which in total have raised more than £10,000, this year it featured the Band of the RAF Colleges, which entertained a packed house in Yarm with a mixed repertoire of military, popular and show music.
Proceeds were presented to the regional director of the RAF Benevolent Fund Mark Quinn by chairman of the Northern Military Music Group Alan Charlton, concert sponsor and Sherwoods chairman Alasdair MacConachie and concert organiser Peter Ratcliffe.
Following its success, the Northern Military Music Group is already planning another concert for next June.
Mr Charlton said: “Everyone had a fantastic evening and we are so grateful to Sherwoods for meeting the costs so that all the funds can go to such a good cause.”
Mr MacConachie said: “We all owe the men and women of our armed forces an immense debt and we are delighted to support this marvellous event.
“Service personnel perform selflessly often very dangerous tasks around the globe. They can do this because of the unstinting support of their families and the great thing about the work of the RAF Benevolent Fund is that it helps the whole family whenever members might need it.”
Mr Quinn, a recently retired RAF helicopter pilot who was born in Langley Park, County Durham, recognised the efforts of the Northern Military Music Group and Sherwoods.
He said: “As the RAF’s primary welfare charity we are there to help current and former personnel and their families when they are in need.
“It could be that a former Spitfire pilot needs help with mobility issues, or childcare facilities are required for current personnel’s families, or help is sought with transition into civilian life. The point is that once you are a member of our family you are always a member.
“Last year we provided £17m and we absolutely rely on donations from events like this and sponsorship from businesses such as Sherwoods to continue our work.”