Cpl Adi Pickup from Station Operations at RAF Wittering, Cambridgeshire, initiated operation Harry-Air Bear in July 2000.  Assisted by his work mate Cpl Jane Allen, the intention was to fly a teddy bear, donated by Wittering Playschool, with all the RAF flying stations based in the UK.  Harry-Air has his own flight Logbook and was accompanied everywhere by a camera.  Senior Air Traffic Controllers were requested to co-ordinate flying at their unit.

At the end of his travels, Harry-Air, his logbook, and photograph logbook will be auctioned with all proceeds to BBC Children in Need.

Every squadron who participates has been asked to donate £5 for the privilege. This money will be donated to the Playschool. A competition was held. at the Playschool, to name their bear and a combination of Bronte, Sian and Daisy of the Green Bear Room came up with the perfect name: Harry-Air Bear. At first Harry-Air was to benefit the 2000 Appeal; however, the event has taken longer than expected. This is mainly down to the enthusiasm of the Wittering team and the flying opportunities that he has been offered by the various squadrons. A revised time for completion is late summer 2001. Hegarty & Co, a firm of solicitors from Stamford, Lincolnshire and Airfoyle Ltd of Luton airport have sponsored the cost of all postage and packing between airfields. Operation 'Harry-Air Bear' was launched on 25 July 2000.