Jet-setting bear up for grabs in local SSAFA fundraising drive.

20 October 2025

Jet-setting teddy bear, Edward, is on a mission to raise funds for Northamptonshire’s Armed Forces community - with one lucky supporter selected to give him his forever home.

Travelling over 40,000 miles and logging 127 hours, Edward the Bear has been on a year-long adventure with the Armed Forces community to mark charity SSAFA’s 140th anniversary, touring multiple bases and accompanying both veterans and serving personnel to complete their duties. 

Spanning two continents, Edward’s journey has seen him meet penguins in the Falkland Islands, make a pit stop in Cyprus, “sign” the Official Secrets Act, take a trip in the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Lancaster bomber, parachute with the Army’s Red Devils, and even fly in the cockpit with the world-famous RAF Red Arrows pilots. 

Sarah Butlin, a volunteer for SSAFA’s Northamptonshire branch and the pioneer behind Edward the Bear’s adventures, said: “Having friends in the Armed Forces I wanted to do something fun to mark SSAFA’s 140th anniversary while also giving back to veterans and the serving community alike. I had the idea of arranging for Edward to travel for a couple of days with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight team initially but, using the power of military connections, his adventure has spanned a whole year and seen him meet personnel across all three services – each of which SSAFA supports.”

SSAFA invites supporters to purchase a £5 raffle ticket to be in with a chance of winning Edward the Bear. The lucky winner will also receive Edward’s flight logbook and photo album documenting his incredible journey, alongside goodies from the Red Arrows, the RAF Typhoon Display Team, prints from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and more. 

Tickets can be brought via Edwards Bears Adventures SSAFA Northamptonshire Branch's Raffle, with the draw closing on 14 November 2025.