Squadron Leader Mark Sugden MBE, Officer Commanding the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) at RAF Coningsby, is a seasoned RAF pilot with over 20 years of fast-jet experience, including Tornado F.3 and Typhoon operations. Joining BBMF in 2018, he became OC in 2021, leading the Flight through challenges like the 2024 Spitfire crash. Awarded an MBE in 2025, Sugden chairs the Mark Long Trust, driving its mission to provide adaptive flying for disabled individuals, inspired by Sqn Ldr Mark Long's legacy.

Beth's journey in the Royal Air Force began in 1999 when she joined the University of Birmingham Air Squadron. It was here that she met Mark, who was also part of the University Bursary Scheme. After completing Officer training, Air Traffic Control training, and two Area Radar tours, Beth was posted to RAF Valley, where she reunited with Mark. During this tour, they got married and welcomed their first child, Scarlett.

Beth's career progressed with postings to Cottesmore and Coningsby, where their second child, Sophie, was born. Her promotion to Squadron Leader led to her assignment to No. 3 (Fighter) Squadron as Officer Commanding Mission Support Flight. She then served as the Senior Air Traffic Controller at RAF Cranwell and is currently the Chief of Staff at the 3 Flying Training School Headquarters. Beth has also been deployed to the Falklands, Greece, Romania, and Cyprus as part of Operation SHADER.

Tragically, on May 25, 2024, Beth received the heartbreaking news that Mark had died in a Spitfire aircraft crash near RAF Coningsby airfield. Mark was nearing the end of his second tour as a Typhoon Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) and was beginning his fourth season with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Known for his determination and constant smile, Mark inspired many—from his children to the numerous pilots he trained, and the wider display aviation and enthusiast community.

Peter's dream was always to join the RAF as a fighter pilot so when Peter moved to Sleaford 4 years ago it was amazing to end up living next door to Mark! Peter moved to Lincolnshire with his wife Lisa and three sons Brandon, Archie and Leo and very quickly became close friends with Mark. Sharing the same passions for motorbikes, flying and DIY, you could always find Peter and Mark in the front driveway admiring their solar panels or having lawnmower races in the back gardens! Both Peter and Mark were taken to Duxford Museum by their parents at a young age, and were both immediately hooked on aviation and all things fast; clearly, they were meant to be friends.

A dedicated and hard-working company owner, Peter has built up his own business from scratch. Using his knowledge and experience of the corporate world, he brings vital skills to the Mark Long Trust where he will be taking on the role of trustee and treasurer. Advising the rest of the committee on a variety of things from finance to networking and corporate sponsorship, and last but not least how to pull a pint at the Mark Long Trust HQ. Peter is honoured to be part of the Trust and is looking forward to upholding Mark's legacy.

Group Captain James Calvert OBE, a Trustee of the Mark Long Trust, brings a deeply personal and professional commitment to the charity's mission of providing adaptive flying experiences and scholarships for disabled individuals. As the best friend of Squadron Leader Mark Long, in whose memory the trust was founded, he shared a remarkable journey with Mark, learning to fly together and serving on multiple RAF squadrons throughout their careers.

Currently commanding the UK Lightning Force, operating the F-35B Lightning II aircraft from RAF Marham since August 2025, he previously served as Officer Commanding 29 Squadron, leading the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Flypast in 2022. With a distinguished flying career piloting Harrier and Typhoon aircraft, his expertise and dedication to inclusivity drive the trust's efforts to break barriers in aviation through specialised programmes and adaptive technology.