Each Father’s Day we celebrate the care and love our fathers gave.

And as a parent ages, often the child becomes the carer, as elderly parents struggle with care home fees, mobility problems, or a lack of funds for necessities like food, clothing, utilities, or basic home repairs.

But for RAF and WRAF veterans, help is at hand.

Too often RAF and WRAF veterans are unaware that the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is there to help them and their partner when they are in financial distress.

Anyone with RAF or WRAF service (or their spouse) can apply for help, whether they flew in World War II, deployed to Kosovo or Afghanistan, or served in times of peace or National Service.

The RAF Benevolent Fund can do so much, from helping with care homes fees to the simple things which make life that little bit easier or more comfortable – a stairlift, property repairs, a new bed, warm clothes, or a new boiler.

Today’s pensioners were raised to have a stiff upper lip when times were tough.

But too many are struggling unnecessarily and are unaware that there is a charity out there that can help them.

They just need to make that contact.

This Father’s Day, I encourage sons and daughters of RAF veterans to make sure their parents know that help is available if they need it or to contact us on their behalf at 0800 169 2942.

They served their country in its time of need, and the RAF Benevolent Fund is there for veterans in their time of need.

Air Commodore Paul Hughesdon, Director of Welfare and Policy, Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund,  Portland Place, London