On a grey and rainy Sunday morning, over 60 cadets and staff from South and West Yorkshire Wing braved the elements to show their support for Cancer Research UK at the Race for Life at Pontefract Park.
Cadets from Knottingley, Castleford, Pontefract, South Elmsall and Barnsley put on a show of force to help the organisers ensure the day went smoothly. The day started early, with the first party arriving at 08:00 helping set up the course and the wing marquee that would serve as the base of operations for the day.
The first race started at 10:00 and with 1,000 women participating in the morning event, the cadets were on hand to marshal them around the course, offering encouragement and handing out the medals and goody bags at the end.
After a break for lunch, it was back to action stations for the afternoon event and with 3,000 women arriving to take part it was no mean feat! The cadets took the task to hand – some even joining in with the warm up dance – to make sure that the afternoon’s race was a great success.
Project Officer, Flight Lieutenant Jim Williamson couldn’t praise the efforts of the cadets enough. “As always, the cadets have been fantastic and I couldn’t thank them enough. Even though the weather hasn’t been the greatest, they have got on with the job with the greatest of enthusiasm. I couldn’t tell you how many people have commented on how smart and well mannered the cadets have been. I must extend my thanks to the staff also, who have been a great support to me during the planning and operation of the day. I’m extremely proud of everyone that has helped out today.”
Sector 1 commander, Squadron Leader Steph Ford added “Cancer Research UK is an invaluable charity, and I’m sure we all know somebody whose life has been affected by cancer. We have helped support this event for several years and are always more than willing to come back and help its continued success. We do hope that they have beaten their £200,000 target they set for this year.”
South and West Yorkshire Wing have squadrons in all the main towns in the area, and provide a host of opportunities and activities for young people aged 13 and over. For more details of your local squadron, visit www.aircadetsyorkshire.org
