The RAF Benevolent Fund’s longest-standing trustee, Air Vice-Marshal Simon Dougherty, has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his service to the Armed Forces community and military charities, in particular.
AVM Dougherty first volunteered for the Fund as its Medical Advisor in 2010, following a 40-year career as a doctor in the Royal Air Force. Two years later he joined the Board of Trustees and became Chairman of the Main Grants Committee and the Welfare Committee.
AVM Dougherty said: “I was absolutely astounded and delighted. I feel that it is one for the superb team who work at all levels within the RAF Benevolent Fund, who deliver the help and support to members of the RAF Family.
“I spent my career in the air force initially as a doctor and later at higher management levels but the objective was always to look after and ensure people are as fit as possible to do their jobs and that includes their welfare. Therefore, it was a natural thing to volunteer to continue to look after the RAF Family, but from a different angle.”
Alongside his work with the Fund, AVM Dougherty has been a committed supporter of several other military charities including as Governor (trustee) of Royal Star and Garter Homes for 15 years and Honorary Air Commodore of 4626 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force.
AVM David Murray, Chief Executive of the Fund, thanked AVM Dougherty for his many years of service. He added: “Simon Dougherty has demonstrated incredible commitment, loyalty and passion for our cause – to prevent any member of the RAF Family from ever having to face adversity alone. This has required a huge investment of his own time, effort and energy to support members of the RAF Family who are in need.
“He is simply tireless in his support for us and our beneficiaries, with no task or event too big or indeed too small. He selflessly gives massive amounts of his own time both personally contributing as well as encouraging and supporting others in their work. His outstanding overall contribution to the service and charitable sector is entirely deserving of national recognition.”
AVM Dougherty, who lives in Essex, is also a governor at Framlingham College and serves as vice-chairman of his local parish council. He received his honour at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace at the start of this year.
