Former Mosquito pilot Colin Bell, now 102, is planning an abseil and sponsored walk to raise money for three charities close to his heart
Flt Lt Colin Bell DFC is undertaking a remarkable challenge this month and next – culminating in an abseil down a 17-storey building! The 102-year-old veteran begins his adventure this weekend (August 21 to 23) with a sponsored walk at places significant to his wartime role flying RAF Mosquitos. On September 14, he plans to abseil down the Royal London Hospital, the highest elevated helipad in Europe.
Colin originally joined 608 Squadron (Pathfinder Group) based at Downham Market, Norfolk. He carried out 50 bombing raids over Germany, with 13 over Berlin. He was later transferred to ferry duties bringing back newly-built Mosquitos from Canada to the UK.
Colin writes: “I may be 102 but I still want to do my bit to raise much needed funding for three amazing charities: London's Air Ambulance, The Royal College of Nursing Foundation, and The RAF Benevolent Fund . I have decided to do this by undertaking two challenges. I am glad to be doing something - quite frankly at my age, I am glad to be doing anything!!
“Please support my chosen charities - in equal shares if possible (the Just Giving system unfortunately does not enable a single donation to be split automatically among three charities so the donations have to be made through separate donation links)
“So I’m setting you a challenge - don’t give up on going through the same donation process three separate times! I know its cumbersome, but regrettably there isn’t an easier way. One point for me to highlight, which is in relation to Just Giving asking for a donation to themselves. When you get to the donation summary page, Just Giving will automatically add a donation amount but you can change this. What I suggest is that in the blue box Click ‘Enter Custom Amount’, it gives you the option to include any percentage including zero. (Don’t use the slider!!)
“Here are the links:
London’s Air Ambulance: https://www.justgiving.com/page/colin-bell-1692440537362?utm_term=xBgVypXPK
The Royal College of Nursing Foundation: https://www.justgiving.com/page/colin-bell-1692445407526?utm_term=wQmQdKgw7
The RAF Benevolent Fund: https://www.justgiving.com/page/colin-bell-1692447983693?utm_term=KP6rW3WPN
“I would hugely appreciate your support, and please share this email with anyone in your circle of family, friends and contacts on social media who may be interested in supporting the incredible work of these amazing charities. Finally, G&T or brandy 'encouragements' for me to complete the challenges will of course always be gratefully received.”
Good luck, Colin!
