Red Arrows team visit children in hospital

Children in Lincoln County Hospital received an early Christmas present when a team from the Red Arrows flew in with teddies and other gifts ahead of the festive season.  

Engineers and support staff spent time meeting the young patients on the Safari and Rainforest wards and handed gifts bought through fundraising during 2025. 

Personnel from the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team based at RAF Waddington started their fundraising efforts during pre-season deployment to Croatia and Greece and by the end of the year had raised around £1,000.   

Much of the fundraising was done through a fitness challenge, with the crew cycling, running or swimming a collective total of 10,800km – the equivalent distance from RAF Waddington to two mainland European destinations and back during the training exercise. 

Red Arrows Avionics Technician Lilly Halford, one of co-ordinators of the fundraising, said: “We really love visiting the wards each year at Christmas to spread a little festive spirit and give out teddies and other gifts to the children.” 

The visit certainly cheered up Alfie Fardell, a patient on Safari Ward.  He said: “If you come into hospital for an operation to have your tonsils removed, you don’t expect to meet the Red Arrows.” 

And fellow patient Ella was equally excited to meet the crew, especially as she got a teddy for herself and one for her sister as well. 

The team also had time to make a quick visit to Scampton Ward, which provides health care for older people.  Ward Clerk, Gillian Pollard, said: “This visit has made our patients’ day. The Red Arrows are part of our heritage. It is lovely they come to this ward with our association with RAF Scampton, where they used to be based.” 

Ben Petts, Charity Manager at United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity, expressed his appreciation to the crew for taking time out of their busy schedule to visit.   

He said: “These Christmas visits bring so much joy to our patients both young and old. 

“It is fantastic that the whole team at the RAF Red Arrows are committed to providing ongoing support to Lincoln County Hospital. 

“Over the last few years, they have raised nearly £10,000 for United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity which has provided toys and arts and craft materials for the children’s wards as well as day chairs and beds, giving comfort for parents whilst staying with their loved ones at the hospital.”