Struggling cadets in a Derby unit whose families are unable to pay for their uniform have been given a boost thanks to the generosity of a local rail maintenance firm.
Malcolm Prentice, group chairman of MTMS, based in Moira, has made a donation of £750 to the Derbyshire Army Cadet Force to give a helping hand to cadets who come from families who are struggling to cover the cost of living.
Mr Prentice handed over the money when he visited the cadet HQ, in Sinfin Lane, to hear about its work and learn about how the expense of buying a uniform can be a barrier to joining for some young people.
This would mean the cadets, who range in age from 12 to 18, would not only miss the friendship and company of the other members, they would miss out on the chance to learn from a formal nationwide syllabus including navigation, team building skills, leadership, first aid and the Duke of Edinburgh’s award.
Mr Prentice said: “The Derbyshire Army Cadet Force has an enviable reputation in supporting the youth of the county, giving young people the very best start in life.
“The force deals with people who need that extra support as they can’t fund it due to their personal circumstances. These are the people who need it the most.
“The cadets in a community like this where some areas are impoverished get so much out of it.
“I am delighted that MTMS’ community support, in some small way, promotes Derbyshire’s Army Cadets, particularly assisting disadvantaged families.
“Cadets bring so much to our community, much of it unseen, and it is an honour to be involved in the youth of the county. MTMS looks to support the cadets wherever possible and I look forward to many more visits.”
The donation is part of a long-term programme of support that MTMS has agreed to give to Armed Forces cadets across the county.
Colonel Mark Honeybell, the Commandant of Derbyshire Army Cadets, said: “We are delighted with the support shown by Malcolm and MTMS to the Derbyshire Army Cadets.
“The donation is very welcome and we will keep that to one side to assist cadets with some difficulty meeting some of the costs to ensure that everyone gets the opportunity for the very best cadet experience.
“Support from the community is crucially important. MTMS is a proud supporter and we look forward to many years of cooperation. We hope to see MTMS and Malcolm at our exercises across the year.”
Steve Ostle, an army veteran who works for MTMS, was on hand to help present the cheque to the cadets.
He said: “It is a delight to be involved with Derbyshire cadets through MTMS, particularly seeing young people being given great training which will last their entire life.”
The Derbyshire Army Cadet Force has companies in Buxton, Chesterfield, Long Eaton and Phoenix Street in Derby. There are more than 40,000 Army cadets across the UK with some 1,600 detachments across towns and villages.
MTMS currently services and maintains rolling stock and specialist equipment, as well as carrying a broad range of infrastructure projects, at more than a half of the UK’s rail depots, with its central location in Moira helping it to serve customers as far afield as Penzance and Aberdeen.
MTMS advertises itself as a pro-military employer and has been awarded Silver Defence Employer Recognition status for its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, which is a nationwide pledge to acknowledge and understand the need to treat current and former members of the Armed Forces and their families with fairness and respect.
