Following the attack on the Animals in War memorial and the Bomber Command memorial in London this weekend, the RAF Benevolent Fund has appealed to the public to support them in the maintenance of the Bomber Command Memorial for which it has responsibility.

We are hugely disappointed that anyone would wish to de-face this beautiful Memorial, a commemoration of the 55,573 young men who sacrificed their lives in Bomber Command.

The RAFBF have the responsibility of guardianship and maintenance of the Memorial in perpetuity and we continue to raise funds in order to do this. Sadly we will need to divert a considerable amount of money towards this unnecessary clean up operation.

If members of the public wish to show their support and donate to the Bomber Command Memorial, then they should visit www.rafbf.org.uk/memorial or text REMEMBER to 70800 to donate £5.

Key facts about the RAF Benevolent Fund

The RAF Benevolent Fund is the Royal Air Force’s leading welfare charity, providing financial, practical and emotional support to all members of the RAF family.

It was founded in 1919 by Lord Trenchard, one year after he founded the Royal Air Force. The RAF BF helps serving and former members of the RAF as well as their partners and dependants, whenever they need it.

The RAF BF spends around £20 million each year supporting the whole RAF family, from childhood through to old age. In 2010 the charity helped over 60,000 people.