Air Cadet XTRA News
Cadets reach final stage of competition Nine air cadets, including two CCF (RAF) cadets, have reached the final stage of the prestigious Duke of Westminster Award. The nine will now join 12 colleagues from the Sea and Army Cadets to face a challenging four-day assessment in the Quantock Hills in Somerset next month to determine which of them, selected from over 20,000 young people earning extracurricular qualifications with educational charity CVQO, can prove themselves worthy of the top prize. Not only are the hopefuls competing for the highest accolade of being named winner, but also for a place as one of the top nine learners to participate in a three-week expedition to South Africa in the summer. During their time in Somerset, the 21 candidates will earn a Level 3 qualification in Leadership from the Institute of Leadership and Management. The overall Duke of Westminster Award winner will be announced at the Awards lunch at the Ironmonger’s Hall, London, on 26 June. The air cadets selected are:- Jordan Byrne, 146 (Northwich) Squadron; Bridget Donaldson, 404 (Morpeth) Squadron; Kayleigh Fisher, 2386 (Keynsham) Squadron; Akshay Mandalia, 241 (Wanstead and Woodford) Squadron; Jacob Rosen, Devon & Somerset Wing, Matilda Sherwood, 2530 (Uckfield) Squadron, Sussex Wing, Gemma Smith, 617 (Heber) Squadron, William Peck, Loughborough Grammar School, CCF (RAF) and Magnus Lee, Bournemouth School CCF (RAF). n
Caroline keeps on running!
but I feel honoured to have had this opportunity and feel completely ecstatic now that it is complete. “The Air Cadets have been fantastic and I was genuinely overwhelmed when I saw all of the hard work they have done fundraising and how many turned out to see the flypast.” For more information and ideas about your own challenges, visit www. rednoseday.com/challenge n
www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets
Despite saying ‘never again’ after running the Virgin London Marathon last year, Squadron Leader Caroline Gourri from London & South East Region, has decided to do it all again! She has been fortunate enough to secure a place through the generosity of two of the oldest of the City of London’s Livery Companies, The Worshipful Company of Patternmakers and The Worshipful Company of Glovers and will be raising funds for ‘Hounds for Heroes’ and to help injured soldiers recovering at Headley Court, the Defence Rehabilitation Centre in Surrey. Caroline said: “Together last year we raised just over a staggering £5,000 and I would love to beat that if possible! In return, I shall try my best to beat last year’s time of four hours and twenty minutes. She added: “I’m also looking for another willing and enthusiastic cheer squad - AKA Caroline’s Caterpillars - on the day, so if you fancy coming out to give me some chosen words of encouragement do let me know! “ To support Caroline in her marathon bid on April 21st, visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ CarolineGourri n 7