I AM writing to ask your readers to support the Royal Air Forces Association, a registered charity, particularly during the two weeks of September 4 to 16, which coincide with the anniversary of the Battle of Britain.

Throughout this week, our members and supporters will be making their house-to-house and street collections to raise money for our welfare work.

Our welfare facilities include a state-of-the-art residential nursing home, three convalescent homes, supportive and sheltered housing, as well as apartments for family welfare breaks.

The Association also provides specialist advice and practical support on war pension claims and appeals.

Last year our volunteers raised more than £5 million, mainly as a result of donations from members of the public, but we still had to spend more than £630,000 more than we raised on urgent improvements to our welfare services.

This year we must again increase our fundraising if we are to continue to meet the increasing demand for our services.

I appeal to your readers to join us in rising to this challenge: please be generous if you are approached by one of our collectors, but, better still, act now and send a postal donation to me at the address below.

More information about membership of our association, our welfare services, becoming a volunteer or making a covenant can also be obtained by writing to me at the address below.

Sir Michael Stear,

Air Chief Marshal,

President,

The Royal Air Forces Association,

Freepost LON 1464,

43 Grove Park Road,

Chiswick,

London W4 3BR.