A veteran from Preston who lost her leg aged just 24 has become an ambassador for a charity that supports the welfare of RAF servicemen and women.
Stacey Mitchell, 31, joined the RAF aged 19, and served as a Senior Aircraftwoman. She worked with Chinooks at RAF Odiham and enjoyed an active lifestyle.
Unfortunately, she sustained an overuse injury in her leg during a run. Due to life-changing pain, Stacey made the difficult decision to have her leg amputated when she was 24 years old after doctors exhausted all other treatment options.
Stacey told Hull Live: “I initially got injured when I was 20 and I fought for four years to try and save my leg. My initial injury was quite a standard injury, but it escalated into a nasty nerve injury and I was just really unfortunate with that.”
“I always tell people if there was only a 1% chance amputation would have improved my life at the time, I would have taken it because I was on a ridiculous amount of medication and the pain itself was just so life-limiting,” she added.
During her time in the RAF, Stacey represented her unit in netball and was bestowed with a Personal Achievement Award for completing a level 3 apprenticeship in a short space of time.
(Image: Oliver Dixon)
“On the whole, I loved being in the military, Stacey said. “I loved what it could offer, and I loved the lifestyle.”
The RAF Benevolent Fund supported Stacey by providing her with an adapted house. “They’ve done it to a level where life and everyday tasks are a lot easier,” she said.
Stacey now represents the Fund at community events, engaging with the public and stakeholders, and sharing her lived experience to raise awareness of the Fund’s mission, to ensure that no member of the RAF Family faces adversity alone.
Her mission now is to “encourage people to seek help, be it financial, physical or mental help through the RAF Benevolent Fund”, she said.
Stacey added: “Certainly in the military, we can be a bit stiff upper lip and not ask for help when it is needed. But I haven’t regretted it and have been incredibly well looked after by the RAF Benevolent Fund.”
Air Vice-Marshal Chris Elliot, CEO of the RAF Benevolent Fund, said: “We are proud to welcome our new cohort of ambassadors, who each bring a powerful combination of lived experience and deep understanding of the RAF Family.
“Having served themselves and benefitted from our support, they offer an authentic voice and a unique perspective. Their stories inspire connection, raise awareness, and remind us of the enduring strength and resilience within our community.
“We are honoured to have them as part of our amazing Fund team.”