Teenage Cadets Prepare to March for Army Charity
A group of plucky Army cadets are preparing for the trek of a lifetime to raise funds for Army veterans and their families.
The cadets, from Norfolk, Buckinghamshire, and Somerset, will compete in the inaugural Babcock Cadet Challenge of the Cateran Yomp. They will join over 1,000 soldiers, veterans, and their families marching up to 54 miles in 24 hours across Highland Perthshire.
Lois and Archie preparing for next month’s Cateran Yomp. Image supplied.
Supported this year by headline sponsors Babcock International Group, the annual event raises much-needed funds for the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF), the Army’s national charity. As well as funding their places, Babcock is also matching each cadet’s first £100 of fundraising.
This year’s event falls just two days after the 80th anniversary of D-Day and also coincides with the charity’s 80th anniversary.
Heading off at 6am on Saturday 8 June, returning to Blairgowrie in the early hours of Sunday 9 June, the cadet cohort includes a team of six from the Norfolk Army Cadet Force.
One of the ‘Norfolk Cadet Ramblers’ is 17 year old Cdt Sgt Lois Hill who commented, “I think it will be an amazing experience that raises money for an important cause. I enjoy challenging myself and thought this would be a great opportunity. I have enjoyed the training so far even though it has been difficult. It allows me to push myself and feel prepared for the event. ‘m looking forward to the amazing scenery and environment where the walk will take place, as well as being able to push myself to my limits, with the support of the rest of my team.”
Cdt Sgt Archie Lang (also 17) added, “I enjoy anything outdoors and it’s nice to do something for a rewarding cause. I enjoy running so it has been OK to manage the distance but I’m really looking forward to embarking on the more challenging terrain that lies ahead.”
Some of the ‘Norfolk Cadet Ramblers’ team on their final training walk before the Yomp. Image supplied.
Leading the team is Major Rob Hayden, Country Training Officer (Cadets), who commented, “The Cateran Yomp aligns perfectly with our mission and values. We are always looking for opportunities to push and motivate our senior cadets so participating in the Babcock Cadet Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for our cadets and former cadets who have come back as volunteers to motivate the next generation.
“When you join the cadets, you embrace the ethos of community spirit and contribute to society through physical and personal challenges, so hiking through the Perthshire countryside to help army veterans provides the ideal focus for our senior cadets. As they trek through the hills and paths of the Cateran Trail, walking alongside soldiers, veterans and their families, I have no doubt that the Yomp will provide our cadets with the experience of a lifetime, shaping lifelong memories and building their resilience, determination and sense of achievement.”
James Innes, Head of Social Impact, Babcock International Group, said, “As headline sponsors of the Cateran Yomp, we are proud to be supporting the Army Benevolent Fund. We are particularly excited that this year we are launching the inaugural Babcock Cadet Challenge where we are providing free entry to Cadets (including Army, Air, Sea, Police, Fire) along with £50 towards travel and matching the first £100 of funds raised. Good luck to everyone taking part.”
Harry Whiteley, Senior Events Manager (Challenges), Army Benevolent Fund, added, “We are delighted to be hosting the first ever Babcock Cadet Challenge, which allows us to welcome Army cadets to this amazing event for the first time, free of charge. We have no doubt that this year’s cohort will lay the foundations for hundreds of others to follow in their footsteps in the years ahead and ultimately position the Cateran Yomp as the leading cadet trekking event in the UK.”
To donate to the Norfolk Cadet Ramblers, visit https://events.armybenevolentfund.org/st/6337/36970
ENDS