RAF Benevolent Fund supports military patients and their families at Fisher House.

As we mark Armed Forces Day on 28 June 2024, Fisher House UK celebrated its 11th anniversary last week, helping thousands of military families in their time of need. Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Charity wouldn’t be able to keep Fisher House open on site, if it wasn’t for our amazing supporters like The RAF Benevolent Fund which has donated an incredible £10,000.

This generous donation means the Charity are able to offer free nights of accommodation to the families of military personnel and veterans when they need it most, so they can be near their loved ones while they have life-saving treatment.

Fisher House is our 18-bedroom purpose-built building situated on the Queen Elizabeth Hospital site and is within walking distance of the hospital. The house officially opened its doors on June 21, 2013, by HM King Charles while he was HRH The Prince of Wales.

Our military can be stationed anywhere across the UK and indeed the world, and their families may also live miles from Birmingham, yet they find themselves at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham while their loved one is cared for.

At Fisher House, families can stay in a secure and supportive environment for as long as they need without any charge. This eliminates the stress of finding somewhere to stay, financial strains, and the pressure of travelling back and forth to the hospital. The house is entirely charity-funded and relies solely on donations to keep this incredible facility running year after year.

Irene Greenwood, Welfare Programmes Manager from the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “Partnership working is an essential part of the Fund’s welfare support to the RAF Family, allowing us to get the expert help to the people who need it. The work that Fisher House UK undertakes is crucial and we’re glad we’re able to support this wonderful Foundation.”

Fundraising Director at the Charity, Charlotte Schofield, said, "Fisher House is a lifeline to families longing to be near each other while their loved one is being treated at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.

“Some have had to travel huge distances across the country and even across the world, so to offer them a comforting, safe place to stay means the world to them and helps with the patient's recovery, knowing their loved one is being looked after just a short walk away.

“We are truly grateful to The RAF Benevolent Fund who continue to support the invaluable work of Fisher House and help us keep this amazing facility open so families can be together.”

Fisher House costs £250,000 a year to run. By pledging £40, you can provide a night’s accommodation for the family of a military patient so they can be close to their loved one.
You can help us today by becoming a Friend of Fisher House and donating here: https://fisherhouseuk.org