A PAISLEY woman who was told she would never walk again after injuring herself in a fall while serving with the Royal Air Force defied the odds to get back on her feet.

Jean Hepburn proved the medical professionals wrong by returning to work just three months after she slipped on black ice, severely damaging her coccyx – more commonly known as the tailbone.

However, as a result of the accident, Jean, who is now 68, developed osteoarthritis which dramatically affected her day-to-day living and limited her activities.

But thanks to the RAF Benevolent Fund, Jean, who joined the RAF as a steward 50 years ago and has been the secretary of her local Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) branch for the last 13 years since her retirement, still enjoys an active and independent life.

Supported by husband John, Jean turned to the RAF Benevolent Fund for support and was provided with a riser-recliner chair and the charity also arranged for a wetroom to be installed in her home.

Jean said: “I’m so independent, so I try and get on with things the best I can. I had quite a few bad falls getting in and out of the bath but the level-access shower has made such a big difference to me.”

This month, the RAF Benevolent Fund, which is the RAF’s leading welfare charity, has launched its Reaching Out campaign.

It is targeting former RAF members and their dependants in the Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire areas who are in need of help, so it can continue to make a difference in the lives of as many as possible.

Jean is urging other former RAF servicemen and women who need help to reach out to the fund, which can provide help with a range of issues, including financial assistance with things like top-up fees for a dignified retirement, funding assistance for care at home, providing mobility aids or benefits advice and advocacy.

Personally tailored assistance is also available to the vulnerable, depressed, isolated or bereaved.

Jean added: “If you need help, you should ask for it. I’m so glad I did. That’s what charities like the RAF Benevolent Fund are there for.”

Paul Hughesdon, director of the fund’s welfare and policy, said: “Too often, RAF veterans simply don’t know that help is at hand.  Sometimes they think that their years in National Service weren’t enough to be eligible for consideration, that there is always someone more deserving than them, or they don’t want to trouble anyone with their problems.”

“But the message of our campaign is simple; if you or your partner were in the RAF and are in financial need, or you need advice and guidance, we will try to help.”

If you know someone like Jean who may need support, call 0800 169 2942 or visit rafbf.org/help.