A DROITWICH pensioner has been given back her independence thanks to an RAF charity which has helped install specialist equipment.
Olive Court has been given a helping hand from the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund as her husband, Clifford, served as an RAF Policeman as part of his national service in 1945. The two married just three years before he served his country but Clifford sadly passed away in 2003 after 61 years of marriage leaving Olive, now 92-years-old, living alone.
After a bad fall Olive underwent shoulder replacement surgery which left her in need of night-time carers to help her dress and bathe. The charity provided her with special riser recliner chair and will install a new wet room in the next few months.
She said: “I can sit and relax quite comfortably every night, now I have this new chair. It’s absolutely fantastic.
“I dread to think what I would have done without the support from the RAF Benevolent Fund, they are very, very kind.
“I can’t express my gratitude enough.
“I’m hopeful the new wet room will also give me back some of my independence and I won’t need to rely on the carers at night-time.”
Back in 1992 the fund helped Olive and Clifford by replacing their boiler.
Paul Hughesdon, the RAF Benevolent Fund’s director of welfare and policy, said: “Too often, RAF veterans simply don’t know help is at hand.
“Sometimes they think their years in National Service weren’t enough to be eligible for consideration, that there is always someone more deserving than them, or they don’t want to trouble anyone with their problems.
“But the message of our campaign is simple – if you or your partner were in the RAF and are in financial need, or you need advice and guidance, we will try to help.”
Those wanting to find out more about the charity, ask for help or recommend a person for support should email www.rafbf.org/help or call 0800 169 2942.
23rd Apr, 2024
