The very latest news and comment from COBSEO
News
20th February 2012
Air Cadet Fundraiser To Fly With The Blades
An air cadet will fly with The Blades aerobatic display team, after his squadron took on a charity fundraising challenge.
The RAF Association’s Blades Challenges mean that anyone who raises £2,000 or more for the Wings Appeal qualifies automatically for either a bronze, silver or gold reward package, depending on how much they have raised.
The challenges offer an exciting opportunity for cadets, as all The Blades pilots are former Red Arrows and they are one of the world’s best aerobatic display teams.
Last August, cadets from the 1408 (Dorking) squadron took part in a sponsored parachute jump with the aim of rising to the challenge.
Together, the squadron raised £2640.42, which entitled one of its members to the bronze package and the unique aerobatic flight.
The parachute jumpers had to be over 16, so six cadets took the plunge, while the younger cadets were offered the chance to raise £100 in sponsorship, which would allow them to also be in with a chance of winning the flight.
When all the money was raised, the squadron’s instructors put the names of the cadets who took part into a hat and picked out one lucky winner.
The name drawn out was Sgt Matt Owen, 17, who was one of the cadets who had done the parachute jump.
He said: “I was very happy to hear that my name had been picked and am really looking forward to it. After the parachute jump, having flown with and without wings, I can definitely say without is the scariest!”
Matt will take his flight on March 28, 2012.
The bronze package offers a flight for one cadet with The Blades, whereas the silver award, which has an £8,000 target, offers a formation flight for four people or a private display by the Blades and a bespoke talk by one of the pilots.
The gold award for squadrons raising over £15,000 offers all of the above.
Pilot Officer Keith Rennles, said: “All cadets rose to the challenge, and I was very proud to be in command of such a fine group, raising money for such a worthy cause was the icing on the cake.”
To find out more about how you can take part in the Blades Challenges visit www.rafa.org.uk/bladeschallenge or contact Chris Osborne on 0116 2688763.
Post a Comment
In order to post a comment you need to be a member and logged in. (Log in)
Bookmark with: