THE Red Lion pub at Odiham has chosen the RAF Benevolent Fund as its charity of the year.

Located just up the road from RAF Odiham, it was deemed the ideal choice for managers to support what is the RAF’s leading welfare charity with its latest fundraising venture.

Since opening last May, the team at The Red Lion have raised more than £1,600 for various charities. This year, however, they have chosen to support a charity that is close to the hearts of the community, particularly in the year the RAF marks its centenary.

Sophie Cook, marketing manager for The Red Lion, said: “For those who know us well you’ll know that we care passionately about the local community. We have many serving and former members of the RAF who are loyal customers at the pub, and we happily offer a discount to them.

“It was easy for us, in the 100th year of the Royal Air Force, to support the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund to help show our ongoing support to the RAF families, both locally and further afield.

“The fund carries out some amazing work for former and serving members of the RAF, from welfare breaks to help with financial and emotional difficulties, which ensure that they and their families are taken care of.”

The Red Lion will be raising money for the RAF Benevolent Fund through a number of initiatives, including a 20p donation from every pint of Red Mist Ale sold.

The team will also look to raise money through a sponsored walk of Hadrian’s Wall, conquering 86 miles over three days.

Paul Hewson, regional director for the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “Local support means a lot to the fund. Without it we simply wouldn’t be able to spread awareness of what we do for those in the RAF, past and present, to the public.

“Everyone at The Red Lion in Odiham has been so generous with both their time and efforts.

“We really are grateful to them for helping the RAF family and look forward to working together in the year ahead.”

In the last two years, the RAF Benevolent Fund has spent more than £460,000 supporting RAF personnel based at RAF Odiham and their families. This includes support through free relationship counselling sessions with Relate, funding for youth programmes like Airplay and Ben Clubs, as well as individual grants to serving men and women in need.

Julian Clarke, director at Red Mist Leisure, said: “We’re so pleased to be able to support this worthy cause and are very excited to get started with our fundraising efforts.

“It’s a charity close to our customers, friends and staff members’ hearts and to be able to contribute to the amazing work they provide to members and former members of the RAF makes us incredibly proud.”