A Birthday surprise for Raymond Blanc OBE!

After a high spirited morning at RAF Benson, 'Runners found their next destination was the beautiful Belmond Le Manoir, in the Oxford countryside, for an important part of their 'Great Escape'.

Accompanied, by two chef's from the Royal Flight from RAF Northolt, they had come to deliver a very special birthday cake, and a surprise start the celebrations for 'friend of the 'Run' Raymond Blanc's 70th Birthday. The two Michelin starred Belmond Le Manoir, had itself celebrated it's own 35th anniversary earlier in the year.

The noise of arrival had alerted the Chef Patron to their presence, and he came to investigate, entering the Belle Epoque Salon to a rousing rendition of 'Happy Birthday'. Mingling and chatting with 'Runners in obvious delight at the surprise; he posed for photos and sent them on their way towards France, with now 'Run legend Tony Foulds.