Sponsorship Page

Hello, and welcome to my go-fund-me sponsorship page..!

I'm Robert Mangham and I live near Rattlesden Airfield. The airfield was the base during WW2 for the 447th American Bombardment Group. Thus, the site is steeped in history, and played an active role in fighting off the threat of a Nazi invasion. Unfortunately, whilst a large stretch of the original runway is still used by the gliding club, and maintained as well as possible by its volunteers, time is beginning to take its toll. Potholes now litter the tarmac and seem to have teamed up with the weeds to destroy the surface. In short, the future viability of the site could be at risk unless urgent repairs are conducted.

On Sunday 16th February 2025, I will be participating in a sports event in the depths of Thetford forest, Norfolk, where participants are required to run as far as they can in 4 hours. Through this go-fund-me page I am hoping that money can be raised as a contribution to the gliding club’s existing “Runway Repair Fund”. As a grey haired 64-year-old I would hope that I will be able to complete around 15 miles in the allocated time, so I am proposing a flat amount of £10 per sponsor provided that distance is achieved. There is no additional obligation if that distance is exceeded, although please feel free to donate multiples of £10 if you wish! You can rest assured that 100% of funds raised will go directly to saving Rattlesden’s historic runway.

Club volunteers restored the original control tower to its former glory in 2024, and a modest museum was also created hosting photographs and memorabilia in honour of the American aircrews who risked their lives flying dangerous sorties from the airfield.

Thank you in advance for your support if you are able to sponsor me in February..! And if you're able to say yes to gift aid, we can raise even more money!

Robert