The honour of champions
01st August 2012
An RAF Association welfare officer has been honoured for his outstanding contribution to his local community in a special event at the Houses of Parliament.
The British Airways Community Champion Awards are awarded to people nominated by their local MPs for their work in the community.
Former RAF pilot Vic Farmer, 88, was one of 38 Community Champions to receive the award after he was successfully nominated by Sam Gyimah MP.
As well as being a welfare officer and honorary treasurer for the RAF Association’s Oxted and Limpsfield branch, Vic has also been an active fundraiser for the Association’s Wings Appeal and has helped to raise £140,000 in the last 20 years.
He said he felt uplifted and honoured by the recognition.
He added: “It came as a great surprise to be informed I had been chosen. I have been very proud to lead and participate in my branch’s fundraising activities.
“There are many times I have done things that have not got a monetary value; to say the right words to console the bereaved, to counsel those in doubt, to speak for those who cannot use words as I can. I have learnt not to do these things for fame or honours but to do them because it is right to help those in need.”
The winners were each awarded a pair of tickets to the London 2012 Olympic Games by British Airways chief executive Keith Williams and Olympic Gold medallist Denise Lewis.
Speaking at the event, Sam Gyimah MP said: “It is important to recognise the very important work carried out in our community, and the British Airways' Community Champion Awards allow us to do just that.
“On behalf of the whole community, I'd like to thank our champions for their commitment and dedication, and their contribution to East Surrey”.
The British Airways chief executive Keith Williams added: “2012 is a set to be a great year for London, and we are proud to honour the men and women who work tirelessly for their communities.
“These awards recognise the remarkable people who make a huge difference to other people’s lives locally, often without recognition, but who deserve to be praised.
“I would like to pay tribute to each and every one of the Community Champions.”