Brew for the Few 2009 - RAF Cosford

Injured RAF serviceman completes 14 loop the loops in daring airborne world record attempt at RAF Museum, Cosford. An injured RAF serviceman who fought to recover from serious injuries sustained under enemy fire in Basrah has set a new world record today.

Corporal Stewart Hefti, 27, completed 14 loop-the-loops while drinking a cup of tea at the launch of the RAF Association’s 2009 fundraising initiative. He flew as a passenger in an aircraft flown by former RAF Red Arrows team leader Andy Offer, now a pilot with premier UK aerobatic team ‘The Blades’.

Corporal Hefti suffered life-threatening injuries in 2007 whilst serving in Iraq with 1 Squadron, RAF Regiment. His patrol came under enemy small arms fire and he sustained serious leg injuries. Tragically, one of his fellow RAF Regiment gunners was killed and other members of the patrol were also injured.

With help from the Regional Rehabilitation Unit at RAF Honington in Suffolk, Stewart has fought to overcome his injuries and achieve his goal of rejoining his colleagues on front line operations.

loop_the_loops_in_daring_airborne_world_record_attempt1 His courage and determination against all the odds has paid off; he fought alongside his RAF Regiment colleagues in Afghanistan earlier this year.

He said: "When we first took off I was more worried about the tea staying in the cup, but after the first loop I realised it would and I started to enjoy it more. It was only after we landed that I started to feel a bit queasy!

"I just wanted to give something back to the RAF Association who did so much for me and my family after my injury."

Despite its light-hearted nature, the world record attempt highlighted the courage and tenacity of the UK’s injured military personnel, as well as the vital support work of the RAF Association.

loop_the_loops_RAF_serviceman_completes_14_ During September, a series of fundraising tea parties are being held throughout the UK to raise money for the RAF Association’s work supporting current and former RAF personnel and their families. The Brew for the Few initiative is named after Churchill’s famous “never in the field of human conflict was much owed by so many to so few” speech, commemorating the bravery of RAF personnel in WWII.

RAFA Concert Band

The RAFA Concert Band were asked to participate at the RAFA Brew for the Few event staged at RAF Cosford Museum No1 Hangar. Among the many Guests attending was an ex WRAF Parachute Packer who is celebrating her 92nd Birthday this year.The Band accompanied the singing of Happy Birthday to her.

Some of the Future events this year include: The unveiling of a Memorial to the Crew of a Wellington Bomber that crashed in Bristol; The Annual Town Carol Service in the Blakehay Weston-Super-Mare, Sunday 6th December; a Carol Service in Clifton Cathedral, Saturday 12th December.

Brew_for_the_Few_2009_-_RAFA_Concert_Band

For further information please contact Rachel Huxford, RAF Association on 07968 478296 or email Rachel

See below, some picturesfrom 2008's Brew for the Few event at Cosford.

Brew_for_the_Few_2008_7

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Brew for the Few 2009 - RAF Cosford

RAFA Concert Band

For further information please contact Rachel Huxford, RAF Association on 07968 478296 or email Rachel

See below, some picturesfrom 2008's Brew for the Few event at Cosford.

Wings Appeal - Easter Egg Run, March 28th 2010

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