Nearly 40 personnel are suing the MoD, with more expected to come forward in the coming weeks.

Richard’s fight with epithelioid fibrosarcoma began 12 years ago—a rare and aggressive cancer that started in his neck and spread throughout his body. Tumors stretched from his jaw to his heart, making treatment incredibly difficult.

Despite undergoing eight surgeries over a decade, the cancer kept returning. One tumor grew so large that it crushed his windpipe, leaving him struggling to breathe.

Doctors at three hospitals deemed the tumor inoperable due to its location near a major blood vessel. Given less than a year to live, Richard prepared to say goodbye to his children, Tom and Emma.

In 2023, after a marathon surgery, Richard finally had his tumor removed, allowing him to breathe normally again.

Reflecting on his career as a Sea King helicopter pilot, Richard believes prolonged exposure to aviation fuel fumes may have caused his cancer. “The irony of living my dream is that it may have led to this,” he said.

In 2013, Richard and fellow pilot Zach created a WhatsApp group, Fly Hard, Fight Hard, to raise awareness. Other non-smoking colleagues also developed throat and lung cancers. Tragically, six of the original eight members have since passed away.