TWIN sisters from RAF Boscombe Down have been shortlisted for a special RAF charity award.

Isla and Siobhan Bennett, 16, have been announced as shortlisted nominees for the Young Supporter of the Year award at the RAF Benevolent Fund’s 2024 Awards on April 25.

Members of the public were invited to make their nominations earlier this year via the Fund’s website, and the shortlist was finalised by a panel of judges.

SEE ALSO: Meet the Salisbury woman who makes hats for Royals and Ascot

The RAF’s leading welfare charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund's annual awards ceremony is an important opportunity for the charity to acknowledge, celebrate and thank its supporters.

From RAF personnel, veterans and non-serving supporters tirelessly fundraising, to those delivering our welfare services on the ground, these efforts are key to ensuring that the Fund can continue supporting the whole of the RAF Family for years to come.

Isla and Siobhan Bennett, Airplay attendees and volunteers at RAF Boscombe said: "It means the world to be nominated and we are incredibly grateful for the recognition from the RAF Benevolent Fund.

"It is so important to give back to the Fund because it helps so many people access help and support and helps people live life to the fullest, even in the hardest of circumstances. The Fund helps people who are willing to give their lives for our country to get the support they rightly deserve."

Air vice-marshal Chris Elliot, chief executive at the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: "The Fund’s annual awards ceremony is an important event in our calendar, and one we look forward to every year. The event presents the opportunity for the RAF Family to come together and celebrate the efforts of the Fund’s supporters and commitment to our cause.

"We would be unable to carry out our life-changing work without the significant support from these dedicated individuals, groups, organisations and RAF Stations, so I’d like to extend my thanks and congratulations to every one of this year’s nominees."

Actor and Fund supporter Alistair Petrie will be hosting the Awards for the second year. Alistair, whose father served in the RAF as a fighter pilot, said: "It is a pleasure to be hosting the RAF Benevolent Fund Awards once more to acknowledge and celebrate those who went above and beyond in supporting the Fund in 2023.

"As a member of the RAF Family, I fully appreciate how important the Fund’s work is for serving personnel, veterans and their families, which is only made possible thanks to the Fund’s supporters. So, a huge thank you."

The RAF Benevolent Fund is the RAF’s leading welfare charity, providing practical, financial, and emotional support to RAF personnel, veterans, and their partners and dependants.

Readers who know a member of the RAF Family in need, can go to rafbf.org to find out how the Fund could help.