Local Air Cadets raise money for cancer charity

Three Air Cadets from Frome are raising funds for FORCE, a cancer charity based in Exeter.

Jamie Easton, Megan Gilbert and William Gilbert, all 14, are taking on eight training weekends for the annual Ten Tors Challenge which sees young  men and women aged between 14 and 19 – from schools, youth organisations (Scouts, Guides, Youth Clubs) and service cadets based in the seven counties of South West.

The teams, depending on age, face hikes of 35, 45 or 55 miles (56, 72 or 88km) over the rough terrain of Dartmoor, visiting 10 nominated tors / check points in under two days. The teams must be self-sufficient, carrying all that they need to complete their route and stay out over night safely.

The Frome cadets are hoping to be selected for the 35 mile hike over the weekend of 7th and 8th May this year.

The cadets have chosen the Exeter-based charity as the parent of one of their team mates, Laura Kerr is closely involved with the charity.  FORCE has spent the last 29 years working to help local cancer patients and their families, running cancer support and information centres, providing funding for local cancer research at Exeter University Medical School and purchasing equipment to improve treatment.

Jamie, Megan and William had set themselves a joint target of raising £200 through their online giving page www.virginmoneygiving .com/team/maythe FORCEbewithyou, but have already had pledges from friend, family and local Frome businesses amounting to £270.  Spurred on by this, the trio have decided to raise their target to £500.

The cadets said, “We would greatly appreciate any donations, big or small, to support a charity that is close to many people’s hearts.  We are facing our own challenges and barriers, navigating successfully across Dartmoor carrying a third of our body weight in kit.”