‘A truly memorable day’ for former WRAF woman Lisa at Royal Garden Party

Lisa Russell attended the prestigious event on Tuesday, May 19 and described the occasion as “a truly memorable day”, arriving home late in the evening after what she called “an honour and privilege”.

The 57-year-old from Huttoft joined the Women’s Royal Air Force (WRAF) in 1985 at just 16-years-old through the Youth Training Scheme, earning £25 a week.

Speaking about her early military career, Lisa said she completed six weeks’ basic training at RAF Hereford before moving to RAF Halton to train as a Medical Assistant.

During her service she was stationed at RAF Northolt, Leeming, Catterick and RAF Laarbruch in Germany, as well as undertaking a deployment to Incirlik in Turkey.

Lisa left the RAF in 1996 after becoming a mother to twin boys. At the time, women were unable to continue serving if they had children – a policy Lisa later successfully challenged through an employment tribunal on the grounds of discrimination.

She said: “I later took the RAF to court and won my tribunal for discrimination.”

Lisa was invited to the Royal Garden Party through The Not Forgotten charity, which supports serving personnel and veterans across all branches of the armed forces.

She explained: “The Not Forgotten charity is there to help and support both serving and veterans like myself by lifting spirits and restoring dignity and confidence.

“The charity has helped veterans and service personnel of all ages, ranks and disabilities across all services – RAF, Army and Navy.”

The charity’s patron, Anne, Princess Royal, attended the event at Buckingham Palace.

Lisa also enjoyed meeting a number of well-known faces during the day, including Gareth Gates, Anita Harris, Graham Cole, Wayne Sleep and Mike Read.

Despite a brief rain shower, Lisa said guests were able to take shelter in the marquee while enjoying the celebrations.

Away from her military service, Lisa devoted herself to caring for her twin sons, who were born 12 weeks premature. She said one of her sons, Joshua, required resuscitation twice as a baby after suffering a bleed on the brain.

Now aged 30, Jake works as an English teacher in Leicester, while Joshua lives at home and requires round-the-clock care.

Lisa now works part-time at a local primary school, something she says she finds “very rewarding”.

She added: “I enjoy working with wonderful children and staff.”

Lisa also spoke movingly of losing her mother to COVID five years ago. Her father, who also served in the RAF, now lives in Norfolk and she visits him as often as possible.

Reflecting on the invitation to the Royal Garden Party, Lisa said she felt incredibly fortunate to have been chosen for such a special occasion.