Cash boost for Whitehaven’s Sea Cadets

Whitehaven Sea Cadets are £1,000 closer to achieving their dream of a permanent home, thanks to leading housebuilder Persimmon Homes and their ‘Building Futures’ scheme.

Simon Ferguson, Chairman of Whitehaven Sea Cadets said “Since losing our permanent home in the storms which hit Whitehaven at the end of 2013 we were given support from the county Police and Crime Commissioner and, more recently, from a local businessman who has given us the use of a redundant building – but we really do want and need our own premises, to allow us to expand the unit and welcome more young people.”

Currently, the Whitehaven unit has 25 cadets, aged between 10 and 18. Through activities including sailing, windsurfing, climbing, and community involvement the cadets learn teamwork, respect, loyalty, self-confidence, commitment, and self-discipline.

John Roocroft, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes Lancashire said “We are so proud of the difference our Building Futures scheme can make to grassroots organisations such as Whitehaven Sea Cadets working every day within our local communities.”

The scheme aims to support community groups working with under-18s. In addition to hundreds of local donations of £1,000, 96 projects will go on to compete for a top prize of £100,000 through a national online vote. Winners will be announced in October.