Coleraine woman dedicates a decade to fundraising for the RAF Benevolent Fund

Coleraine teacher Julie Corbett is a passionate and dedicated fundraiser for the RAF Benevolent Fund running a plethora of events to boost the charities' coffers.

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Recently Julie completed the Great North Run having secured a place in the ballot, paying her own entry fee to ensure every penny raised goes to the  Benevolent Fund, raising almost £2000 in sponsorship.

Julie began fundraising for the RAF Benevolent Fund in 2019, driven by both a family connection to the Royal Air Force and a desire to commemorate the charity's centenary.

“The pivotal moment for me came when the Fund released a limited-edition sports vest to mark their 100 years of service to the RAF family,” explained Julie.  "I had entered the York 10k race with the sole aim of getting one of those vests. Unfortunately, I sustained an injury and couldn't participate.

“I contacted the Fund’s Edinburgh regional office, explained the situation and offered to buy a vest, however,  they sent me one as a gift.  I hadn’t expected their generosity and in return I decided to organise a local 5k event to benefit the charity. 

“Thanks to the support of Anne Paul at Ulster University we held our inaugural 5k on Saturday, September 21,  2019.  Just before our 5k the Edinburgh Regional Office contacted me and asked if I would run a stall for the Fund at that year’s Airwaves Airshow in Portrush.  A frantic few days ensued where we had to get stock, arrange an exhibition area and coordinate manning the stand.  The Airshow proved to be a great success raising £600 for the Fund and the rest as they say is history.”

From that day forward Julie has been on a relentless mission to support the RAF Benevolent Fund organising a diverse range of events, including street and bucket collections, a school outreach 2020 program, an Elf Run/Walk, a coloring competition, and numerous raffles.

One standout achievement was securing the Fund's status as the Captain's charity for Bushfoot Golf Club this year, further expanding their fundraising efforts.

“Our mascot Ben Elephant attends all our events being something of a celebrity especially, but not exclusively, with children,” joked the teacher.

Prior to taking part in the Great North Run, Julie organised the very popular and well supported annual Ulster 5k whilst training hard for the 13.1 mile event which took in Town Moor through Newcastle City Centre to South Shields.

“This had been a goal of mine  for a long time and when I was lucky to secure a place in the ballot, I thought it would be a great opportunity to challenge myself and raise sponsorship for the Fund.

“My training went well but it was been a real team effort to get me to the starting line. 

“Stephen Fillis provided my training plan, Deborah McPhee encouraged me on my long runs and physio Lizzie Caldwell kept me going!”

With the Great North Run under her belt what’s next for Julie?

“I will be having a well-earned rest but not for too long! We have a bucket collection planned for November at Coleraine Football Club, a Christmas Raffle and our traditional Elf Run which will be held on Sunday, December 10, 11am at Coleraine Town Hall. 

“Why not pull on a Christmas jumper, Santa hat or go full Elf and come along? Refreshments and a bespoke medal will be provided for all entrants, it’s a lovely way to start the Christmas run in.”

Julie’s commitment as a volunteer fundraiser for the RAF Benevolent Fund was recognised earlier this year when she was presented with the prestigious national 'Above and Beyond' award at the Fund's annual awards in the Plaisterers’ Hall, London.

“I was surprised, delighted and very honoured to have been nominated never mind having actually won!

“This is the first time that a national award has come to Northern Ireland.  Now I know how the Oscars winners must feel, I wasn’t expecting to win and when my name was called it was a complete shock. I’m not sure that it has sunk in yet! 

“Whilst the award was presented to me it really is for every one of our team of volunteers here in Northern Ireland.  We are a small but enthusiastic and dedicated group who always go that extra mile.  All of the funds we raise stay here in Northern Ireland to provide much-needed help for veterans, serving personnel and their families when they need it most.”

Julie added: "I love volunteering for the Fund, I have heard so many amazing stories from veterans and their families whilst collecting donations.

"I have made some amazing friends along the way too. Volunteering helps me to feel that I can and do make a difference in people’s lives. When we hear or read a story of how the Fund has provided support, I know in some small way we have contributed to that."