Remember anniversary for legacy to live on
Eighty years ago in July 1941, a group of young men who had sustained severe burns in aircraft crashes during the Second World War came together to form The Guinea Pig Club.
They took this name in honour of the ground-breaking techniques of pioneering plastic surgeon, Sir Archibald McIndoe.
Upon leaving hospital following their lengthy treatments, members established new careers, married and raised families, challenging the opinions of those who questioned their abilities.
These young men quickly became a beacon of hope and their perseverance and tenacity continues to inspire burns survivors today.
The RAF Benevolent Fund is proud to have supported The Guinea Pig Club since its formation 80 years ago and has provided assistance to many of its members over the years.
However, just six members of the Guinea Pig Club remain, so the Fund is taking this important anniversary to highlight the inspiring story of the Guinea Pig Club to ensure its legacy lives on.
I urge your readers to pay tribute to those who served and sacrificed their lives during the Second World War by visiting rafbf.dedicationpage.org/gpc80 where they can share memories, photographs, and thanks.
Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot
Chief Executive of the RAF Benevolent Fund
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