Words by Abi Scaife
A 102-year-old WWII veteran has abseiled 280 feet for charity.
That’s incredible! What’s the story?
Former Flight Lieutenant Colin Bell was a Mosquito bomb pilot in the RAF during WWII. Now aged 102, on 14th September 2023, Colin took on the 280-foot abseil down the Royal London Hospital to raise money for charity.
In this daring challenge, Colin raised money for three separate charities; the Royal College of Nursing Foundation, the RAF Benevolent Fund and the London Air Ambulance.
He is also taking on a sponsored walk, visiting places significant to his wartime journey, in aid of the three charities.
What are the stats?
So far, Colin has raised over £7,000 for the London Air Ambulance, over £7,300 for the RAF Benevolent Fund, and more than £5,000 for the RCN Foundation. This brings his total up to an incredible £19,527.
If you would like to support Colin on his fundraising journey, you can donate to his RCN Foundation page here, his RAF Benevolent Fund page here, and his London Air Ambulance page here.
Charity check-in
At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article.
London’s Air Ambulance. This charity delivers medics to the scene of accidents all around London to provide life-saving surgery and transportation. Learn more here.
Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund. For more than 100 years, the RAF Benevolent Fund has supported RAF family members, providing practical, emotional, and financial support. Support them here.
Royal College of Nursing Foundation. The RCN Foundation provides grants for hardship, education and research, to support and strengthen nursing and midwifery and to improve the health and wellbeing of the public. Find out more.
This article aligns with the UN SDG Partnership for the Goals.
