RAF Wings appeal 2013 raises £9k

The branch made an appeal in the Star last month and a spokeswoman said this year’s total would not have been “possible were it not for the great generosity of local people”.

The spokeswoman continued, “Year after year, in our annual September collection, we are indebted not only to those who put money in our boxes but to traders who give permission for us to attend at their premises and also to certain churches and schools who, on an ongoing basis do so much to support us.

“In respect to the latter, we would give special mention to one particluar young schoolboy for his individual and valiant effort - he knows who he is!”

She also added that the association wished to thank ATC Cadets who conducted a Saturday collection. “Last but not least, in turn each of the Lisburn’s Mayors has willingly launched our campaign. This year our gratitude to our Lady Mayor, Mrs Margaret Tollerton, who warmly welcomed us and contributed generously to our endeavour.”

The Wings Appeal was established 70 years ago to help give welfare assistance to veterans of the Second World War and their dependents. As decades passed, the association focused on ex-RAF and serving personnel who had served in Falklands, Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan.

“We owe the people of Lisburn our gratitude for their donations - big and small. Meanwhile, we look forward to September 2014 when we will again be appealing to you in aid of this most worthy of causes,” she explained.