RAF crew begin 67-mile food bank challenge

Newquay Foodbank is appealing for donations. Pictured is Warrant Officer Kev Riddle, trustee Nick Appleby and Flight Sergeant Justin Churchill

Three personnel from a RAF base in Cornwall have set off on a three-day hike to raise money for food banks.

Warrant Officer Kev Riddle, Flight Sergeant Justin Churchill and community development officer Carol Atkinson were unmistakable in baked bean tabards as they pushed a shopping trolley to fill with donations of food collected along the walk.

It is a joint fundraiser with Newquay Foodbank, which is supporting the RAF St Mawgan team during the 67-mile (107km) challenge.

Newquay Foodbank director Zoe Nixon said donations were "far, far below" what they normally would be at this time of year.

Warrant Officer Kev Riddle, Flight Sergeant Justin Churchill and community development officer Carol Atkinson are raising money for food banks

The first day of the challenge saw the team walk from RAF St Mawgan to Wadebridge Foodbank, the second day will see them go from Bodmin Foodbank to Liskeard and from there they will go from St Austell Foodbank and back to St Mawgan before finishing at Newquay Foodbank.

WO Riddle said RAF St Mawgan was a big part of the community both locally and throughout Cornwall, and the challenge was about trying to raise awareness and money.

"We look at it as a challenge, but in all honesty it's nothing close to the challenge people here have every day just trying to get meals on the table," he said.

"It's not going to be easy but the cause is everything, a lot of our service people at RAF live in our local community with our veteran community as well, let's just try and give back."

WO Riddle gathered donations of food in a shopping trolley

Mrs Nixon said there had been a "significant increase in food bank need", with up to 800 people visiting the Newquay food bank per week.

"Last year our food bill alone was £80,000 just under, so it's a significant proportion of our full overheads," she said.

"I think I can safely say across the network we are all struggling with donations currently.

"Donations are far, far below what we would expect for this time of year, so a lot of our food banks are buying food now.

"We're so grateful for the support of organisations like RAF St Mawgan, who are vital in ensuring that Newquay Foodbank can keep providing crucial support to people experiencing hunger and hardship in our community."