Whitby Town's RAF Benevolent Fund charity match at the Towbar Express Stadium last Saturday was a day dedicated to remembering service, sacrifice and community. Fittingly, it also became an opportunity to celebrate the story of one man whose connection to Yorkshire, family and duty continues to inspire more than half a century after his death.

George Robinson was a proud Yorkshireman, a tank driver during the Second World War and, by all accounts, a man who loved Whitby. One of the few surviving photographs of George was taken in 1945 and sent to his wife Joan on Valentine's Day while the war was drawing to a close. During much of the conflict, Joan stayed in nearby Staithes while George served away from home.

Their son, Andrew Robinson, remembers his parents as "good, honest, ordinary Yorkshire folk" and credits them with instilling in him the values of respect, manners, common sense and a sense of humour that have stayed with him throughout his life.

George's affection for Yorkshire was legendary within the family. Andrew recalls that his father rarely wanted to venture beyond the county's borders for holidays, joking that he considered Lancashire a foreign country. When Joan once suggested a trip to North Wales, George apparently tried to convince her that the Welsh had fought alongside the Germans - a tongue-in-cheek example of the dry humour for which he was remembered.

Sadly, George died in 1970 at the age of just 56, leaving behind treasured memories and only a handful of photographs. Yet his legacy remains very much alive through his family and the values he passed on.

That legacy was evident last weekend. Saturday's RAF Benevolent Fund charity match happened to coincide with Andrew's 70th birthday. After receiving information about the event, he decided to "chance his arm" and enter the club's fundraising 50/50 Draw. When fortune smiled on him and he won, Andrew immediately contacted the club with a request.

Rather than keep the prize money for himself, he asked for his winnings to be donated directly to the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Reflecting on the day, Andrew said that during a quiet moment amid his birthday celebrations, his thoughts turned to his father and the sacrifices made by George and so many others during the war.

The gesture was a fitting tribute not only to his father's service but also to the work carried out by the RAF Benevolent Fund in supporting members of the RAF family, past and present.

Andrew and his family have developed a strong affection for Whitby Town during recent visits to the area. A lifelong Bradford City supporter, he attended several Seasiders matches during an extended stay in Whitby last year and has enjoyed following the club whenever he is in town.

Everyone at Whitby Town would like to thank Andrew for his generosity and for sharing George's story. It serves as a reminder that behind every act of remembrance lies a personal story of family, service and sacrifice.

As the club reflects on a successful RAF Benevolent Fund charity event, George Robinson's story, and his son's thoughtful gesture in his memory, perfectly capture the spirit of the occasion.