RAF Reservists fly in to help maintain care home

Caiff yr erthygl hon ei chyfieithu yn fuan

Royal Air Force Reservists from 614 Squadron, Cardiff volunteered at the Leonard Cheshire home Danybryn in Radyr this weekend as part of the part of the Squadron’s commitment to give back to the local community.

A team of 11 volunteers flew in DIY SOS style to paint the fences, gates and garden benches that sit in and around the Victorian buildings’ extensive grounds that are usually maintained by just three regular volunteers.

Corporal Cathy Sharples from Penarth came up with the idea of volunteering after discovering the RAF connection with Leonard Cheshire. She said: “ This charity is doing such a great job, we just want to do anything we can to contribute to improving the environment for residents.”

Leonard Cheshire is a charity formed in 1948, and named after its founder, a former RAF pilot. They provide support and nursing care for disabled adults.

Leonard Cheshire was born in 1917 and like many young men and women, signed up to fight for his country in the Second World War.

He was assigned to Bomber Command and became one of the RAF’s youngest commanding officers. His legendary war career included eight months leading No. 617 Squadron – the Dambusters – and he became the most highly decorated bomber pilot when he was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1944.

At the end of the conflict, Leonard realised that he was one of the lucky ones and was seized with a desire to make the world a better place. Many ventures failed until he received a call from a local hospital, asking if an acquaintance who was dying could come and live with him. This started a lifetime of humanitarian work with disabled people, fighting injustice and working towards a society in which everyone is equally valued.

Another volunteer, Senior Aircraftman Jamie Scott, 27 from Bridgend said: “This has been such a great experience. It’s amazing how much we managed to do in a short space of time. It was a real team effort and I hope the residents enjoy their garden even more now.”