Cadets from the City of London & North-East Sector, based in Romford, demonstrated selfless commitment this Christmas by collecting and delivering presents for children in the hospital during the festive period. Many of the children in the wards have long-term conditions and may not have the opportunity to celebrate Christmas in the same way as other families.
The ward sister expressed her delight when, on 12 December 2024, the cadets collected, wrapped, and delivered gifts to the children’s ward at Queens Hospital.
Colour Sgt Thorne initiated this generous act as part of her 4-star community engagement pass, aiming to make a difference in others’ lives. After discussing the idea with her detachment commander and fellow cadets, they researched local charities and discovered the King George & Queens Hospital Charity. Colour Sgt Thorne reached out to them, and together they arranged the visit to the ward.
The cadets had a wonderful time delivering the presents, bringing joy and smiles to the children.
Photo Caption: Cadets delivering presents to the children at Queens Hospital. From left to right: Colour Sgt Thorne, Sgt [JKO’s Full Name], Lance Corporal Mahy, Cadet Graves.
Colour Sgt Thorne shared her motivation for joining the cadets:
“I joined the cadets because I was hanging around with the wrong crowd at school, making bad decisions and going down the wrong path. Since joining the cadets, I have gained ambition, drive, and respect. The cadets have given me a passion, a new hobby, structure, new friends, and a future career. This opportunity has opened many doors for me, including the Army Foundation College in Harrogate. I am currently participating in a basic training course to become a combat medic in the army. I am incredibly grateful to all the Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) and staff for their support and guidance throughout my cadet career. I am now looking forward to my future career in the army, which would not have been possible without the support and guidance of the army cadets.”
