M6toll support RAF cadets with trip to World War One battlefields
Staff from Midland Expressway Ltd (MEL) visited 1200 Polesworth RAF Cadets, after responding to a plea from Squadron Instructor and MEL staff member, Racheal Cooper for funds to support the cadets on a trip back in time.
MEL donated £600 to support Polesworth RAF Cadets on an educational tour of the WW1 battlefields, which will take the group to France and Belgium. The trip will last for four days, ending in a service at the Menim Gate Memoriam in Belgium.
The cadets, aged between 13 and 18 have been learning about the war as part of their syllabus, preparing themselves to mark 100 years since the end of the war.
The Air Cadets are a UK wide cadet force with over 40,000 members who have a practical interest in aviation. 1200 (Polesworth) Squadron is within the Staffordshire wing where cadets enjoy learning important skills such as teamwork and leadership whilst taking part in a wide range of activities such as flying, kayaking, sports, camping and field craft.
The donation from MEL has enabled two cadets to benefit from the trip. The Squadron have raised additional funds by holding a charity raffle, sponsored walk and by packing bags at a local supermarket, to ensure that all 28 cadets will be able to attend the tour.
Racheal Cooper said “Both myself (as an employee of Midland Expressway), all staff and cadets at 1200 squadron are overjoyed by this fantastic donation and cannot thank Midland Expressway enough. It has given two young cadets the chance to go on the battlefield tour which they may have missed out on. Regardless of their background we think all our cadets should have the opportunity to attend this incredible tour and enjoy this experience with their friends.”
Colin Haynes, Squadron Leader & Sector Commander added: “I am so grateful to the M6toll on behalf of the cadets at 1200 squadron. Without the funds raised by the Civilian Welfare committee, the squadron would not be able to deliver the rich programme of activities to our cadets. This donation will greatly enhance the squadron’s ability to give experiences to the cadets, which they would otherwise be unable to afford”.
More information about 1200 (Polesworth) RAF cadets can be found here: www.polesworthaircadets.co.uk/
MEL’s donation forms part of a wider initiative to support local schools and community projects. MEL’s Social Committee work closely with members of staff to choose those community projects close to their hearts which will benefit from a donation from the Drive for Charity fund.
MEL’s Social Committee is always on the lookout for Local Charities and Community Projects to Support. To register your charity or community project with MEL for consideration to receive fundraising or practical (volunteering) support now or in the future go to Drive for Charity.
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