Photo courtesy of the Air cadets Junior leaders course

The JTYAF was honoured to be invited to RAF Honington where the Qualifed Junior Leaders of the RAF Air Cadets Junior Leaders Course 23 celebrated their Graduation at a Formal Dinner in the Officers Mess. Special guest, Commandant Air Cadets, welcomed the newly qualified students to the Junior Leaders family of 1055 qualified Junior Leaders. Many of whom have gone on to be leaders in all walks of life.

This leadership course is recognised as one of the toughest courses available in the Air Cadets and any Cadet that makes it through has the makings of a very successful leader. After 7 months of intense training the course culminates in Test Phase, a field leadership assesment, giving the students the ability to demonstrate their leadership skills. As part of the course the Junior Leaders are tasked with organising and running a fundraising event or activity to support the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation. This forms part of their Level Two Certificate in Team Leadership from the Institute of Leadership and Management.

The Junior Leaders on Course 23 organised an incredible range of fundraising activities. From 10,000 pull ups to paddling from Glasgow to Edinburgh, from mountain climbs, runs, walks, cycles, bag packs to football matches. Their innovative ideas were endless.

These outstanding young people raised a staggering £23,000 for John’s Foundation, a fantastic fundraising achievement which will support a great many young people to follow their dreams.

Without this continued fundraising support from the Junior Leaders the JTYAF would be unable to sustain the level of financial help we provide and we can’t thank the Course Directing Staff and students enough for their continued commitment and dedication to John’s Foundation.

One of the students left a memorial to JT at the top of Ben Nevis which was seen by a teacher from, Ferndown Upper School, John’s old school. A very touching tribute and testament to the way that John continues to inspire young people to achieve 15 years on.