Page 25 - Cadet Review Spring 2025

52 HALF MARATHONS
IN 2025
Squadron Commander Luke Clifford Roper Smith
intends to attempt 52 half-marathons in 2025 for
charity.
Luke, who commands 1324 (Hawker Blackburn)
Squadron, has set himself the challenge of running
a half-marathon every weekend for the year of 2025,
with a view to raising money for three causes.
Firstly, having started with £1,000 of his own
money, Luke is raising funds for his new aviation
scholarship fund, which aims to recognise exemplary
young adults from across the community and launch
them skyward, encouraging a practical interest in
aviation, or helping them work towards qualifications
if they already have some experience. Secondly, he
is raising money for the NHS charity, Health Stars,
which supports patients and care staff. Thirdly,
recently diagnosed with blood cancer, he will be
adapting these existing fundraising plans to also
raise money and awareness for Blood Cancer UK,
which funds research and aims to eradicate blood
cancers.
Asked about the fundraising plan, Luke said: “I
have always hated running, and so I completed a
challenge to run my first half-marathon in 2024.
Having actually really enjoyed following a proper
plan, my only options were to do more or go further,
so for 2025 I decided I would do more – 52 times
more, to be exact. If I want to raise some good
money, it has to be a real challenge, and I think the
cumulative fatigue is going to be a real struggle.”
If you would like to support these causes, please
scan the QR code and share the link. If your unit
would like to sponsor an aviation scholarship for one
of your cadets, please contact Luke at: oc.1324@
rafac.mod.gov.uk
2222 (BRIGG)
SQUADRON ROAD
MARCHING REVIVAL
By Civilian Instructor Chris Wood
Under the guidance of a number of newly qualified Road Marching Team
Leaders, 2222 (Brigg) Squadron reintroduced road marching as a core
component of their training programme. Initial sessions focused on
introducing cadets to the ethos and history of road marching in the RAF Air
Cadets. Starting with shorter routes, to build confidence and fitness, the
squadron’s enthusiasm quickly caught the attention of neighbouring units in
Sector 5.
To support the wider adoption of road marching, the Squadron organised
joint training sessions, sharing their expertise and best practices with other
squadrons. These collaborative efforts fostered a sense of camaraderie
and sparked a renewed interest in road marching across the sector which
culminated in 30 Blue Road marching badges being achieved by participating
cadets in November.
This accomplishment has not only reignited interest in road marching but,
hopefully, has also set the foundation for the squadron/ sector’s participation
in prestigious events, such as the RAFWARMA Two-Day March at RAF Cosford
later this year, where cadets will be able to progress to achieve their Bronze
Road Marching badge.
CADET REVIEW SPRING 2025 25