I joined as a Cadet in 2020, during virtual parade nights. I had wanted to be an air cadet for years prior to this, so as soon as I met the age requirement I joined my local squadron, 415 (Merthyr Tydfil).
Being in ATC has helped me gain the confidence and skills to be a better person, inside RAFAC and outside in my every day life. I owe a lot of my outside achievements to the skills I’ve learnt within cadets, for example; Deputy Head Girl in my High School and a Honarable Company of Air Pilots Gliding Scholarship. If it wasn’t for RAFAC, I probably wouldn’t aspire to go into a role within the RAF and realise how much I want to join the military.
I am currently a CWO, after being promoted on my 17th birthday. I felt honoured being awarded the ATC75 Sword this year (2026), and hope to show new and future air cadets what it is possible to achieve.
My Highlight
Being given the opportunity to go to Sweden on IACE 2026 has been the highlight of my cadet career. It was such an incredible experience and being able to travel around Sweden with cadets who have similar ambitions was amazing.
I didn’t realise how much we would be able to fit into the two weeks and I have definitely made lifelong friends from all around Europe.
We travelled into the Arctic Circle and witnessed the midnight sun, before going to Stockholm and seeing the changing of the guard at the palace. We were able to have a flight in a Black Hawk Helicopter. We went to Air Force Museums, the Air Force Memorial and stayed overnight at an Aeroseum.
The overall experience was extraordinary!