Mike’s Story

Sergeant Nicholson is a keen sportsman and was awarded an Individual Sports Grant last year which has helped fund training and allowed him to compete in the Armed Forces Karting Championship with his Station team.

“I joined the Royal Air Force in 2008 as a PTI and have competed in a few different sports during this time. One of the fantastic things about the RAF is that they understand the importance of sport and physical activity and allow time for sport, meaning that I can continue my passion alongside my day job. I have always enjoyed motorsport and having competed at a national karting level prior to joining the military, I still try to compete each year and aim to continue doing so throughout my career. Encouraging people to try a new sport is important to me and over the last few years I’ve been lucky enough to work with the RAF Central Fund as they supported the establishment of a new Station karting team at High Wycombe. This has seen more serving personnel getting involved with motorsport and I am proud to be part of a growing community.

My latest role in the RAF has been as the Chief Instructor for the Robson Resilience Centre which is based at the RAF Central Fund’s watersport centre at Danesfield. Danesfield is a fantastic facility that the RAF Central Fund provides for personnel to escape from day-to-day stressors whilst experiencing a vast range of water-based activities.

Many of the sporting opportunities I’ve had since joining the RAF are thanks to the RAF Central Fund through funds generated by the Sports Lottery.

After many years of playing the lottery to support the charity, I’ve now been exceptionally lucky to have won the top prize! I would encourage anyone to play the Sports Lottery so that the Central Fund can continue the work it does in supporting sport across the RAF.”

Sgt Mike Nicholson