Air Cadet Rachel Dyche from 1036 (Bury) Sqn ATC recently took on the Great Manchester run to raise funds for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. She told us more about how she got involved and why:
“My name is Rachel Dyche. I am 18 years old and I am a Cadet Corporal in 1036 (Bury) Squadron ATC which I joined one and a half years ago.
“Completing a 10K run had always been a goal for me. I was never very athletic growing up and completing such a run seemed an impossible prospect so I decided I would change that. Being and Air Cadet has boosted my confidence phenomenally and I believe if it was not for this, I would not have challenged myself to take on this run. I decided to sign up for the Great Manchester Run as a way of motivating me to train hard and achieve my goal and also because it seemed a perfect way to raise money for a worthy cause but I wasn’t sure which one.
“Last year the Squadron supported the Poppy Appeal and raised £1480. The Royal British Legion works tirelessly to provide support to servicemen and women and their families. They support both young and old, many of whom have been affected by recent and past conflicts. As someone who hopes to join the Royal Air Force, I could one day rely upon the services of the Legion myself, services which can only continue to be provided to their full extent if they get our support.
“Military life has been tied very closely to my family, with my uncle serving in the Royal Navy and my grandfather in the Royal Air Force just after the Second World War. The Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal consequently seemed a natural choice for my fundraising efforts, an incredibly worthy cause and one which I wanted to support during my journey to 10K.
“I raised funds through sponsorship of the run; something which spurred me on to train and work my hardest. I also held a series of bake sales at my college, selling cupcakes and other homemade treats in the canteen. I publicised my challenge at my Air Cadet Squadron and on social media, and set myself a target of raising £250.
“The run itself was hugely enjoyable and the atmosphere was incredible. There was so much support from bystanders all the way around the city centre course as we passed Old Trafford Stadium, the Imperial War Museum North and MediaCityUK. While we ran we were entertained by bands along the route which made the experience an unforgettable one and something I would love to do again in the future – maybe even progressing to a half or full marathon!
“I am so grateful for the support I received on my journey to complete this 10K and so proud to have run on behalf of The Royal British Legion. The generosity of those who sponsored me and donated was phenomenal and the experience really was unforgettable.
“On Sunday 28 May 2017 I completed my first Great Manchester 10K Run on behalf of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. I ran it in a time of 54 minutes 47 seconds and raised £607 smashing my target. I’m very happy about that.”
For more information about the Air Cadets and how you can get involved, as a cadet or a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, visit www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets
