Mansfield rally star Phil Hall becomes RAF charity ambassador

Hall, a Royal Air Force Reservist himself, has been competing at a World Rally Championship level since 2015, gaining recognition from the RAF for his activities in top-level sport.

In 2019, he entered into a unique collaboration with the service which saw fellow RAF Reservists experience life in one of the most demanding motorsport championships in the world.

Hall along with his colleagues from the WRC were put through their paces by a series of challenges set by the RAF.

This season, the Mansfield-based ace is set to become a key ambassador for the RAF Central Fund, a charity which supports serving RAF personnel, enabling them to take part in sports and physical activities at all levels, regardless of role, rank, or physical ability.

The charity’s funding streams facilitate the use of sports facilities, equipment, and physical training and provide support to safeguard both RAF Regulars and Reservists health and wellbeing.

The principal fundraising tool of the fund is the renowned RAF Sports Lottery, which offers entrants the chance to win up to £10,000 each week.

Hall, a player of the lottery himself is delighted to be representing one of the official RAF charities through his activities as a professional sportsperson.

“It’s a prestigious honour and opportunity to represent the RAF Central Fund in 2020,” he says.

“Without the Royal Air Force, I would not be in the incredible position I am today, competing at the top level of rallying and now I`ll be able to put something back into the charity which has so actively supported me throughout my co-driving career.

“It would be great to think that I can also inspire other members of the RAF to get more involved in sport, no matter what level or discipline.”

The 30-year-old will be taking time out of his co-driving calendar to spend time with RAF personnel who have expressed an interest in taking up or progressing in their chosen sport.

“I’m excited to be visiting RAF Stations and Squadrons around the UK to talk about my sporting experiences within the Force and how that has helped me progress onto the world stage” he continued.

“Hopefully along the way it will generate further interest in the RAF Central Fund and the RAF Sports Lottery and highlight just how vital the role they play is in the progression of servicemen and women in sport.”

Ross Perriam, CEO of the RAF Central Fund, expressed his charity’s delight in having Hall join their team of ambassadors.

“Our charity exists to support all serving personnel throughout their careers, whether they are regulars or reservists,” says Perriam.

“Corporal Hall personifies that, having benefited from our support both as a regular when he first joined the RAF and now as a reservist.

“It is great that he is choosing to give something back and highlighting to his fellow servicemen and women the benefits of participating in sport and how as a charity the Central Fund can help them achieve their goals.”

Hall is currently working behind the scenes on his 2020 co-driving plans with an announcement due in the forthcoming months.