Founder of Shoreham Airshow dies

Shoreham Airshow organiser and founder Don Bean MBE has died following a recent illness.

In 2000, he was awarded the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his tireless work for the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA).

He founded the Shoreham Airshow 23 years ago following a small fête that was held to the east of the airfield, and since then, the airshow has raised more than £1.7 million for RAFA.

Tributes have already come in from RAFA.

In a statement, John Periam, Shoreham Airshow press officer, said: “True grit and determination made Don the man he was. He was respected by those that knew him. The words “thank you” were at the top of his list. He gave help to others when needed and was a loyal friend to many.

“The airshow will carry on and it will be a fitting tribute to Don as well as the late Peter Eager, who passed away earlier this year.”

If you would like to leave your tributes, email [email protected] or leave your comments below.