THE ROYAL Air Force's dedication to defending Britain over the past century was marked yesterday as the RAF100 baton made its second stop in Oxfordshire at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

The commemorative baton, part of the RAF's centenary celebrations, arrived in dramatic fashion in a Puma helicopter from RAF Benson at lunchtime.

The baton was then carried on a tour through the hospital by RAF personnel.

Corporal Natasha Balyckyi, who has been working as a nurse at the adult intensive care unit in the John Radcliffe for the past eight months, was selected to carry the baton from the West Wing to Tingewick Foyer, where it was kept during its short stay at the hospital.

The JR has about 45 military personnel on its staff, working in a range of roles to keep their skills honed while not on active duty.

Cpl Balyckyi, who has been in the RAF for six years, said: “It’s an honour to be involved in something like this.

“As a nurse, especially when you work in the NHS with your civilian counterparts, you don’t get involved with military exercises, so it’s really nice to be a part of it.

“I think it’s good as well for the John Radcliffe Hospital to recognise the military colleagues working here.”

“It’s a once in a life-time opportunity, and something I’ll definitely remember.”

The baton’s first stop in the county was at RAF Benson, where it remained overnight before flying to the JR.

Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) NHS Foundation Trust’s armed forces champion, David Smith, said receiving the baton was an honour for the hospital.

He added: “Having military personnel work alongside our staff provides an opportunity to learn from each other.

“A day like today is a proud moment for the hospital.

“As well helping to mark 100 years of the RAF, it gives us an opportunity to say thank you to the personnel from the armed forces who make a fantastic contribution to the hospital.”

Warrant Officer in the RAF cadets, Rosie Heridge, from Brize Norton, rode in the Puma helicopter on its journey from RAF Benson to the hospital.

The 19-year-old said: “It’s really cool to be involved.

“The motto of the 100 year celebrations is commemorate, celebrate, inspire – the armed forces staff here are inspiring the younger generation in everything they do.”

The baton will make a total of 100 stops over 100 days on its three month tour of the UK. The RAF was founded on April 1, 1918.