Response team receive a response

Generous donation for co-responder group

A group of volunteers based at RAF Henlow in Bedfordshire have recently received a huge boost to get their co responding group fully operational.

Up to 30 serving RAF staff are awaiting to enrol on a First Person On Scene (FPOS) course, enabling them to respond to calls on behalf of the Trust. A select few from the group will be undertaking an advanced driving course enabling them to respond under emergency conditions.

The donation came about because one of the Red Arrows that crashed last year during a display had the ejector seat sent to Martin Baker, a specialist in ejector seats and aircrafts, for investigation.  Royal Air Force Policeman Corporal Tom Wheeler from Henlow was posted to an undisclosed site for security reasons around the RAF, whilst James and his team carried out the investigation. During a conversation, Tom happened to mention to James about the volunteer RAF co response team that he was trying to set up.

James felt this was a fantastic idea so donated £12,000 to get the team up and running. On presenting the money, James said: “We were very pleased indeed  to make a donation to such a worthy cause, and wish the volunteer team all success in the future.”

L-R - Royal Air Force Policeman Corporal Tom Wheeler, James Martin and Steve Catley

Community partnership manager Steve Catley, who attended the presentation said: “First and foremost this a very generous donation and on behalf of the trust I would like to thank James and his team for their support. This money will now mean we can move forward and establish the group with a vehicle, equipment and the appropriate training allowing them to respond.