Sutton man nominated for RAF Award for work in memory of his brother

Phil Hallam’s nomination comes after he raised more than £19,000 through an annual memorial football match held in tribute to his brother SAC Andy Hallam who was killed in a road collision in 2014 while he was based at RAF Wittering.

Phil was supported by the RAF Benevolent Fund in the months which followed his brother’s death and has fundraised for the charity every year since.

The annual football match is held at Polly Bowls Club in Sutton and is played between a team of Andy’s RAF colleagues from No. 3 Squadron and a team of school friends.

Phil, 32, said: “We absolutely appreciate the recognition from the RAF Benevolent Fund, it is an honour to be shortlisted especially for something we all enjoy doing.

“People travel from a long way away to come to the match, and it’s a great opportunity for the two sides of Andy’s life, the RAF and his family and friends at home, to stay in touch.

"Although, Andy would have hated being centre of attention.

"He’d be proud of what we’ve done but he would have hated being at the centre of it.”This year, as with so many charitable events, the football match was postponed but Phil is determined it will return next year, and is looking at how to hold some kind of virtual event before the end of the year.Mike Straney, director of fundraising and communications at the RAF Benevolent Fund, qdded: “Helping people like Phil and his family is exactly what the fund is here to do and I’m delighted to hear we were able to step in during this incredibly difficult time and offer some comfort

“It is wonderful to see how that support has inspired Phil to organise an annual memorial to his brother and we are incredibly grateful for all he has raised for the Fund.

“His nomination for the award is very well deserved.”Now in its eighth year, the RAF Benevolent Fund Awards recognise the outstanding contributions of its supporters, personnel on stations and corporate partners who support the charity each year.If you know an RAF veteran in need, click here to find out how the fund could help.