Seventeen RAF Air Cadets from across the North of England, including seven from the Yorkshire and the Humber region have successfully completed their challenging Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Gold expedition as part of a Regional expedition organised for Air Cadets. This took place in the Yorkshire Dales with a trek of over fifty miles (80 kilometres) and of four strenuous days in both sunshine and warmth, together with two days of heavy rain and wind to complete the expedition.
Hiking the Dales
The Yorkshire and Humber cadets were Cadet Warrant Officer Jake Lacey and Sergeant Bradley Marson from 1053 (Armthorpe) Squadron, Corporal Harvey Waring from 110 (City of York) Squadron, Flight Sergeant Meg Hall from 2040 (Richmond) Squadron, Flight Sergeant Laila Poddar from 2527 (Lawnswood) Squadron, Cadet Reuben Turner from 886 (City of Ripon) Squadron and Flight Sergeant Oliver Kutny from 59 (Huddersfield) Squadron. In addition, cadets from Durham and Northumberland, Cumbria and Lancashire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside Wings also participated.
The cadets were well prepared for the experience having carried out a practice expedition on the North Yorkshire Moors in early July. Their journey which took them from Redmire, near Leyburn, via Wensley, Horsehouse, Buckden, Arncliffe and Malham, was completed on the hills above Kettlewell on day four. During their walk they also visited sites, with splendid views, such as Buckden Pike, Malham Cove and Gordale Scar.
The expedition route was planned and navigated by the team members and included carrying all their equipment and food for four days, which meant that the load became lighter by the day. Jake and Bradley said, “the expedition was challenging but very rewarding, and we would encourage all young people to get involved with the award – we have gained fantastic skills and had a great experience!”
Going for Gold
Squadron Leader Charlotte Bridges, the Regional Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Officer, who led both the practice and qualifying expeditions added, “The cadets worked hard to prepare for the expeditions, planning their routes and kit. They encountered all weathers during their expedition but worked together to ensure the whole team completed the expeditions. Once they have completed all four sections of the award, they will be eligible to attend a ceremony and garden party at
Buckingham Palace to receive their certificates and badges, which I know they will be looking forward to”.
Young people interested in joining the Cadet Forces, or adults looking to volunteer with the Cadet Forces can go to our Cadet Forces page for more information about joining.