Bognor RAF veteran urges people to take on 80 Miles in 80 Days challenge

A Bognor Regis RAF veteran is urging people to take on the 80 Miles in 80 Days to mark the 80th anniversary of the air cadets.
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Mike Goody is giving his support to the RAF Air Cadets as it teams up with the RAF Benevolent Fund to launch a campaign to raise £80,000.

In tribute to their milestone moment, participants have 80 days to complete 80 miles and raise money for both causes.

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The challenge begins on June 1 and runs until August 19 with money raised split between the RAF Benevolent Fund and the RAF Air Cadets General Purposes Fund.

RAF Benevolent Fund ambassador Mike Goody is backing the 80 Miles in 80 Days challengeRAF Benevolent Fund ambassador Mike Goody is backing the 80 Miles in 80 Days challenge
RAF Benevolent Fund ambassador Mike Goody is backing the 80 Miles in 80 Days challenge

Mike began volunteering with the air cadets after he was medically discharged from the RAF in 2009.

The former RAF Regiment Gunner received life-changing injuries when the vehicle he was travelling in Afghanistan was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED).

Mike was trapped for three and a half hours and suffered a severe fracture to his left ankle which eventually led to his leg being amputated below the knee.

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Mike said: “When I was medically discharged from the RAF, following my injury, I took up sport as part of my rehabilitation.

“Training took up a lot of my time but also left me with some free time and I decided I wanted to use that to give something back.

“I got involved with my local air cadets squadron, 461Sqn in Chichester, after giving a talk about taking part in the Invictus Games.

“I wanted to give something back and use my experience to help cadets. I absolutely loved it. The cadets were absolutely amazing.”

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After three years volunteering as a civilian instructor, Mike became an Acting Pilot Officer in January.

As well as taking on leadership responsibilities, Mike’s new role will allow him to support the squadron commander.

He said: “I see it as a small reflection of my former military life and volunteering helps to keep me even more connected to the RAF family.

“I really enjoy my time with the cadets and now I can pass on some of my military skills to support the cadets, for example shooting and field craft.

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“It gives me a great sense of pride, having that blue uniform on, and on a personal level it’s amazing to be back as part of the RAF family.”

Set up in 1941, the Combined Cadet Force and Air Training Corps are collectively known as the RAF Air Cadets, and provide youngsters aged 13 and above with opportunities for adventure, training and skills including learning to fly a glider.

For more information and to sign up to take part in the 80 Miles in 80 Days challenge, visit rafbf.org/aircadets

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