Long-lost RAF comrades reunite through charity ride

Two veterans who had not seen each other in 23 years have reunited after signing up to the same charity bike ride.

Richard Rawnsley MBE and James Butterworth, known as Jimmy, both served as RAF engineers during the Bosnian conflict in the 1990s.

Their friendship was forged during a difficult period in Rawnsley's life when he underwent multiple heart surgeries during their deployment.

But after 23 years apart, a chance to raise funds for ex-servicepeople through a cycling challenge from Aylesford, Kent, to Ypres in Belgium ended in a reunion.

The pair connected through their northern roots and same sense of humour, they said.

After promotions took them in different directions, the men last saw each other in 2003.

Rawnsley was taken ill and has lived with depression following his medical discharge in 2007.

"I've had flashbacks from the military service and other things which happened in my personal life," he said.

He added: "They were very dark days for me, but Jimmy was always there. He kept me going and got me interested in the squadron football team."

Rawnsley said that he sought mental health support and with help from family, friends and the Royal British Veterans Enterprise (RBVE), is now recovering.

When the chance came to raise funds for ex-servicepeople, Rawnsley and Butterworth joined the Tommy Ride, a fundraising campaign by RBVE.

"A WhatsApp group was set up for all participants and we saw each other's names," Butterworth said, who now teaches apprentices at BAE systems.

"We were absolutely shocked. We reconnected and it was just like the old times."

Along with 30 other riders, the men rode from Aylesford to Ypres, ending on Sunday.

Butterworth said that cycling from Tyne Cot Cemetery to the Menin Gate was "one of the most emotional experiences".

"We were exhausted, but there was an overwhelming sense of pride and achievement," he added.

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