The iconic Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, swapped the skies for the wards of Lincoln County Hospital in a special pre-Christmas mission. Engineers and support staff visited young patients to spread festive cheer, handing out teddy bears and other presents paid for by their own fundraising efforts.
A Fundraising Mission Takes Flight
The heartwarming gesture was made possible by the team's dedication to raising money throughout 2025. Personnel began their fundraising during a pre-season deployment to Croatia and Greece, ultimately collecting around £1,000. The bulk of this sum was generated through an impressive fitness challenge, where the crew cycled, ran, and swam a collective distance of 10,800km.
This remarkable distance is equivalent to travelling from their home base at RAF Waddington to their European training destinations and back. The funds were then used to purchase the toys and gifts that brought smiles to the children's faces.
Bringing Smiles to Safari and Rainforest Wards
The team spent time on the hospital's Safari and Rainforest wards, which are located close to RAF Waddington. For Avionics Technician AS1(T) Lilly Halford, who helped coordinate the fundraising, the visit is an annual highlight. "We really love visiting the wards each year at Christmas to spread a little festive spirit and give out teddies and other gifts to the children," she said.
The visit had a profound impact on the young patients. Alfie Fardell, a patient on Safari Ward, was thrilled by the unexpected encounter. "If you come into hospital for an operation to have your tonsils removed, you don’t expect to meet the Red Arrows," he remarked. Another patient, Ella, was equally excited and delighted to receive a teddy for herself and one for her sister.
A Legacy of Support for the Local Community
The team also made a quick visit to Scampton Ward, which provides healthcare for older people. The connection was particularly poignant, as the Red Arrows were once based at the nearby RAF Scampton. Ward clerk Gillian Pollard noted, "This visit has made our patients’ day. The Red Arrows are part of our heritage. It is lovely they come to this ward with our association with RAF Scampton."
Ben Petts, Charity Manager at United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity, expressed deep gratitude for the ongoing support. He revealed that over the last few years, the Red Arrows team has raised nearly £10,000 for the hospital. This money has provided not only toys and arts materials for children's wards but also practical items like day chairs and beds to comfort parents staying with their children.
"These Christmas visits bring so much joy to our patients both young and old," Petts said. "It is fantastic that the whole team at the RAF Red Arrows are committed to providing ongoing support to Lincoln County Hospital."
