A SOLIHULL RAF Officer has been awarded a prestigious prize in recognition of his charity work.
Junior Officer Tom Mallin, from Knowle, was presented with the Officers’ Association Trophy after raising over £4,000 for charities including The RAF Benevolent Fund, The Freja Ellie Appeal and The Jon Egging Trust.
The annual prize is awarded to the RAF Officer who contributes most to charity, or those less fortunate, in their time undergoing training at the Officer and Aircrew Training Unit.
Officer and Cadet Training Unit Adjutant David Mason said former Arden School pupil Tom epitomised the ‘proactive and instinctive attitude’ expected of a Royal Air Force Junior Officer – with the 25-year-old Flying Officer acting as the main driving force behind all of the organised charity events, including cycling the distance covered by the Dambusters raid.
Describing the award as an ‘honour to receive’, Tom said: “I feel community engagement and charity work is an important part of life and the opportunities are huge whilst on RAF Initial Officer Training.
“With such a motivated group of like-minded individuals, the ideas just kept on coming.
“Therefore, I am accepting the award on behalf of our whole course.”
Speaking about Tom’s efforts, CEO of the Officer’s Association, Lee Holloway, said: “We are delighted to present this award to Flying Officer Tom Mallin, who has demonstrated remarkable commitment to the community throughout his training.
“He sets an example of the attitude every officer should aspire to.”
