A Burton sea cadet will swap the open water for the open road when he and his family undertake a 260-mile bike ride across the UK to help raise money for their unit.
Leading Cadet Felix Scully-Crane, 16, will spend six days in the saddle, starting this Saturday, following a route cross country from Accrington, Lancashire, all the way down to London.
He is taking part in the ride to accompany Commander Charlie Bagot-Jewitt, who is taking on the challenge to raise money for the MSSC (Marine Society & Sea Cadets), the UK charity which runs the Sea Cadets organisation.
But Felix won’t be the only person from his family taking part in the ride, because his dad, Nick, who is a civilian instructor at Burton’s Sea Cadet unit, based in Stapenhill Road, is riding alongside him.
And, offering logistical support, along with the essential bacon butties and chocolate, will be Felix’s mum, Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Nikki Scully-Crane RNR, the Burton unit’s commanding officer, who will be using her camper van as a support vehicle.
Cmdr Bagott-Jewitt is taking on the ride to mark his new role Eastern Area Officer for the MSSC, having previously served as area office for the North-West, based in Accrington – hence the route, which will end at the MSSC HQ in London on April 2.
Felix has planned the southern half of the ride, which will take six days and include overnight stops in Sheffield, Nottingham and Northampton.
The first half of the ride has been planned by another cadet, Leading Cadet Hadley Scott-Illingworth, who attends the Accrington unit the ride will start from.
Another rider, Royal Marines Officer Paul Gillespie-Antal, will also take part for the whole six days.
Burton Sea Cadets was established 80 years ago and meets weekly, offering its young cadets a mixture of activities, including sailing, rowing, camping and marine engineering.
Felix said: “I am really looking forward to the ride and really enjoyed planning it the second half of it, trying to use as many trails as possible to avoid using the roads.
“I have been with the sea cadets since I was 10, and I know that as a junior cadet back then that I would never have believed I’d be cycling across the country with my area officer.
“I know this is going to be an adventure I’ll never forget and it’s thanks to the sea cadets, which has given me opportunities I would never have got any other way.”
Nikki added: “All sea cadet units are individual charities and so we have to raise money for our activities ourselves, so any fundraising efforts, especially something on this scale, is extremely welcome, because it will support us in the work we do and allow us to enhance our offering.
“Although the route doesn’t go through Burton, the very strong Burton contingent are looking forward to visiting our friends at the other units along the way.
“It is a fabulous adventure to be part of, and I know Cdr Bagot-Jewitt and the whole team will be guaranteed a great welcome as we pass through Eastern Area and finally into London.”
The sea cadets also relies on support from local firms, including Swadlincote rail maintenance firm MTMS, whose compliance administrator Andy Bates is also 1st Lieutenant at the Burton unit and part of its command team.
He said: “The Sea Cadets is a great movement which makes a huge impact on thousands of young people by giving them opportunities that they wouldn’t otherwise be able to access.
“MTMS has supported our unit for a number of years now and I’m looking forward to being there when Cdr Bagot-Jewitt and the riders arrive.”
Cdr Bagot-Jewitt said: “The last time I attempted something this ambitious was in 2018, when I walked from Scarborough to Barrow in Furness after taking over the North West Area.
“That journey showed me the dedication, spirit and generosity that keeps our organisation alive – and I hope this ride will do the same.
“Every donation will go directly toward supporting the MSSC and Sea Cadet units along the way, including Burton, ensuring they can continue delivering life changing opportunities for young people.”
To make a donation visit www.justgiving.com/page/charles-bagot-jewitt-2
