Cadets and Adult Volunteers Achieve Goal
In Spring 2025, when Colonel Dean Rushby became Commandant of Humberside and South Yorkshire Army Cadet Force, he set the county the challenge of raising £5,000 for the nominated charities Army Cadet Charitable Trust UK (ACCT UK) and Yorkshire Cadet Trust (YCT) by the end of 2025. By September 2025, months ahead of the given deadline, the county not only met that challenge, but doubled it raising an incredible £10,000 to be split between the two charities. This achievement was made possible through a variety of efforts, including the sale of raffle tickets for cadet kit, a generous £1,000 donation from IPL Plastics UK (through the support of SI Sam Smallwood), raffles organised by Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and high-value prize draws for cadets.
ACCT UK aims to give all young people the opportunity to develop and achieve through Army Cadets activities and YCT aims to ensure that all cadets, irrespective of their circumstances, have the chance to participate in all the opportunities that are made available through tri-service membership: Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force , Air Training Corps or Combined Cadet Force. The funds raised mean that cadets from Yorkshire and the Humber will be afforded opportunities to positively impact their cadet experience and journey. This can be include anything from skills learning to expeditions.
Commandant’s Praise
Colonel Dean Rushby, Commandant, Humberside and South Yorkshire Army Cadet Force says, “It is a true privilege for Humberside and South Yorkshire ACF to support two great charities like ACCT UK and YCT, which help give our cadets access to fantastic opportunities. I am incredibly proud of how our entire county rose to the challenge, not only meeting our fundraising goal but exceeding it, hopefully the donation will make a significant difference in the lives of young people.”
Exceptional efforts
Alongside the collective effort, several individuals went above and beyond by setting themselves personal fundraising challenges:
· Captain Fidment set out to raise £1,000 by completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in under 12 hours. He smashed his goal, finishing in just 9 hours (including breaks) and raising £1,245.
· Captain Field pledged to lift a total of 25.3 tonnes in the gym — a gruelling challenge that took her 5 hours. Her efforts raised an impressive £1,025.
· SI Thompson, who had never run 10k before, set himself the challenge of completing the distance. He crossed the finish line in a very respectable 1 hour 10 minutes, raising £180.
· Mrs Valerie Johnson, our Office Manager, took on the gruelling Endure24 ultra-marathon at Bramham Park, Leeds. She ran an astonishing 54.21 miles, raising £500 for ACCT UK and YCT, and a further £500 for her personal chosen charity, Scarborough Special Baby Care Unit.
Lasting impact
Together, these efforts showcase the determination, commitment, and generosity of our cadet force family. The £10,000 raised will make a lasting difference to both ACCT UK and YCT, supporting the vital work they do for young people.
More information about ACCT UK can be found by clicking here and YCT can be found by clicking here.