The 502 (Ulster) Reserve Squadron Pipes and Drums joined the Air Officer Northern Ireland, Air Marshal Sean Reynolds, and RAFA Northern Ireland Chair, Wing Commander Noel Williams, to launch the 2026 Wings Appeal campaign.

The annual appeal helps raise vital funds to support serving and ex-RAF personnel and their families. It is dependent on the generosity of the public and the ongoing hard work of all volunteers.

Wing Commander Williams said: “I thought it would be good to have a musical launch of Wings again this year and was delighted when the Pipes and Drums of 502 Squadron immediately agreed to serenade us when we were at the Armed Forces Day in Coleraine earlier this year.

“Air Marshal Sean Reynolds made the first contribution to get the campaign rolling when he deposited a £20 note in our RAFA Bucket.

The 502 (Ulster) Reserve Squadron Pipes and Drums joined the Air Officer Northern Ireland, Air Marshal Sean Reynolds, and RAFA Northern Ireland Chair, Wing Commander Noel Williams, to launch the 2026 Wings Appeal campaign. Photo: supplied

placeholder image — The 502 (Ulster) Reserve Squadron Pipes and Drums joined the Air Officer Northern Ireland, Air Marshal Sean Reynolds, and RAFA Northern Ireland Chair, Wing Commander Noel Williams, to launch the 2026 Wings Appeal campaign. Photo: supplied

“We are playing an important role right across the province with our welfare support and relief provided for a considerable number of veterans who served in the RAF; that welfare also extends to their families.”

Air Marshal Sean Reynolds added: “I was delighted to again be part of the launch of the Northern Ireland Wings Appeal with 502 Squadron, particularly as I have been involved in this role for some seven years in which the generosity of those who support our veterans has been increasing year on year. I am hopeful that RAFA branches across Northern Ireland will be supported as they man various stalls in many of our supermarkets and other outlets.

Wing Commander Williams concluded: “I make a special plea that wherever you see a RAFA ‘tin’ in a shop, garage or any outlet, that you be as generous as you can and, if you would like to, send a donation to the RAFA at Danske Bank in the Abbey Centre (Abbey Centre Shopping Centre, 31A Longwood Road, Newtownabbey, BT37 9UH). You can simply call in and make a cash or card donation to the RAF Association Wings Appeal. To make a bank transfer, the sort code is 95-02-61 and the account number is 51041150 - RAFA Wings Appeal.”