Page 29 - World Airnews Magazine February Edition 2021

RAF

TRY THE LANCASTER

CHALLENGE

participating in the Lancaster Challenge The Armed Forces Community are also

and we hope families, participants from our showing their support for the challenge
he Royal Air Force Museum is strid- previous challenge events, along with our with more than 400 Armed Forces Person-
Ting into the New Year with a brand- friends in the RAF and partner organisations nel already taking part.

new virtual challenge, where participants will join us. Support from our Challengers Participants can stay connected and

can join the race and received a medal. enables us to keep the doors of our Muse- make new friends as they complete the

Choose whether you want to complete ums open for all generations to enjoy.” Challenge by joining the RAF Museum
80, 150 or even 500 kilometres and do it RAF museum London public events manag- Virtual Running Group on Facebook. Meet

all online. er, Ella Hewitt said, “The Lancaster Challenge other Challengers, share your progress and

While registrations have already opened was due to start on the 2 March, 79 years ask fellow participants for advice. However

on 9 January 2021 - exactly 80 years since since the Lancaster’s first mission with the you choose to complete the challenge, the

the first test flight of the Avro Lancaster RAF, but we want to keep people motivated Museum would love to hear from you! Tag

– participants can complete the challenge and moving in lockdown, so you can begin @rafmuseum in your photos on Facebook,

from anywhere in the world. the challenge as soon as you sign up. Twitter and Instagram or with #Lancaster-
Walk off the Christmas calories, get out- “This year’s bespoke medal design Challenge2021.

doors, run, hike, swim, cycle or row your features the Lancaster, arguably the most Limited edition Lancaster Challenge

way to the finish line. famous, and certainly the most successful T-shirts are also available to purchase when

Participants will have access to a down- heavy bomber operated by the RAF during registering online. The souvenir T-shirts
loadable log sheet to record their distance the Second World War. cost £14.00 and will be delivered with your
and then receive an exclusive, Lancaster With an impressive performance and ex- medal following the end of the challenge.

Challenge medal when the competition cellent flying characteristics, the Lancaster Consider fundraising for the RAF Museum

closes on 17 May – co-inciding with the soon established its superiority over its and pledge to raise £80 and receive your
anniversary of ‘Operation Chastise’ or as rivals. Indeed, it was described by Marshal souvenir Lancaster Challenge t-shirt for

the Dambusters Raid. of the RAF, Sir Arthur Harris, command- free, delivered with your medal at the end
RAF museum CEO Maggie Appleton said, er-in-chief of bomber command, as ‘the of the challenge.

“During these difficult times, looking after greatest single factor in winning the war’. Starting your fundraising could not be

our mental and physical health is important The Lancaster on display at RAF Museum simpler, select the sponsorship option
for us all. Key to planning our recovery London, known as S for ‘Sugar’ has a dis- when signing up online and head to our

during the next few weeks and months is tinguished operational record having flown Lancaster Challenge JustGiving page. Once
that we concentrate more than ever on 139 missions during the Second World War. you have set up your JustGiving page, our

looking after ourselves and each other and Within the first 48 hours of registrations team will be in touch with some handy tips

that is why we are encouraging all our staff opening, more than 1,850 people signed up to to kick start your fundraising.

to take time-out of their day, while working participate. Entries have been received from To register visit rafmuseum.org. Entry

from home, to get outdoors and enjoy across the globe, including Australia, New Zea- costs £20 per person, additional booking
some daily exercise. land, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Canada, and postage charges apply for overseas

“Our staff will be leading the way by America, Singapore and Thailand. participants. Q
World Airnews | February 2021
— 27 —