Super cadets help to smash poppy record

PROUD to do their bit . . . front (from the left) Flt Sgt Jordan Crowther (Oldham ATC), Cadet Christopher Marsland (Oldham Sea Cadets), Cadet Katy Webster (Saddleworth Air Cadets), L/Cpl Jack William Cook (Oldham Army Cadet Force)

2 More Image(s) In Gallery

SEA, Air and Army Cadets in Greater Manchester raised an incredible £113,000 for the Poppy Appeal — 40 per cent more than last year’s total.

Belle Vue Army Cadet Force raised the most, collecting £12,415, closely followed Air Cadets from Oldham and Saddleworth (£10,970) and Oldham Sea Cadets (£8,321).

Cadets from 2200 (Oldham) Squadron and 2200DF (Saddleworth) Detached Flight took part in collections at Tesco Supermarkets at Greenfield and Chadderton, over a three-week period in November, 2010, collecting over £10,900 together.

All the cadets were rewarded for their fund-raising efforts at a glittering presentation evening at Hotel Smokies Park in Bardsley.

Cadet units were thanked for their hard work and individual youngsters were praised for their extra special efforts.

Oldham Sea Cadet sisters Jenny and Chloe Lane, Jack Cromwell, from Oldham Army Cadets, and Oldham Air Training Corps Cadet Ashley Millward and Sgt Jonathon Barker were singled out for praise.

Saddleworth Detached Flight won the Best New Unit Award and Oldham Sea Cadets and Oldham Air Training Corps were given an honourable mention.

Jeff Harrison, Greater Manchester County manager for The Royal British Legion, said: “We have already surpassed last year’s total and there are several cadet units still to be included.

“Our young cadets are a credit to themselves and the uniforms they wear. They work tirelessly distributing the poppies throughout their areas giving up many hours to a charity they believe deeply in. We are all facing hard times financially and therefor we are particularly grateful to the public for giving so generously and raising a record breaking total for the Poppy Appeal.”

Last year’s national Poppy Appeal raised £35 million. The Royal British Legion spends £1.2 million each week on welfare support for former members of the armed services.