September 29, 2021 5.24 pm This story is over 29 months old

RAF Cranwell serviceman revving up for London Marathon charity race

Good luck Rich!

A weapons system operator based at RAF Cranwell will be taking part in the London Marathon this weekend to raise money for the Royal Air Force’s leading welfare charity.

It will be the first full marathon for Sergeant Rich Bond, who also took part in the Vitality Big Half in August. He hopes to run the race in under three hours to qualify for a ‘Good for Age’ place next year.

The 33-year-old will race in the London Marathon on Sunday, October 3 to raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund, which provides financial, practical and emotional support to the whole of the Royal Air Force family, both serving personnel and veterans, as well as their partners and dependants.

Rich has so far raised over £200 – donate to his fundraiser here.

The RAF serviceman will also compete in the Royal Parks Half Marathon on October 10.

He said: “Some of my friends and colleagues have benefited from the services the RAF Benevolent Fund provides. The Fund’s support was invaluable to them, so I wanted to do something to give back to the charity.

“I’m really looking forward to the atmosphere of the crowds and I’m hoping to run it in under three hours in order to qualify for a ‘Good For Age’ place next year.

“Pacing and fuelling myself so I have enough energy and speed across the whole distance will be hard as pacing isn’t my strong suit! Recovery will also be quite tough as I have the Royal Parks Half Marathon the following weekend too.”

Heather Kemp, Community Fundraiser at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “We are so incredibly grateful for Rich’s support, which will allow the Fund to continue to be there for the whole of the RAF Family for years to come.

“By taking on this gruelling challenge, Rich is not only helping raise money for the RAF Benevolent Fund; he’s also helping to raise awareness of the support the Fund offers to other veterans, serving personnel, and their families.”

Donate to Rich’s marathon fundraiser here