Wick army cadet (13) praised for ‘outstanding’ fundraising efforts
An army cadet from Wick has been praised for his inspirational community spirit after helping to raise more than £1800 for military veterans.
Murray Harrold (13) recruited and signed up cadets and adult instructors from across three Army Cadet Force detachments in Caithness – Wick, Thurso and Halkirk.
They are supporting the UK charity Walking With the Wounded, which helps ex-service personnel and their families who are most in need.
The money has come through donations from members of the public who have sponsored the cadets and instructors to walk as many miles as they can between now and Christmas.
There are now 13 taking part and by the start of this week they had raised £1859. Murray himself has contributed £854 towards the overall sum.
Statistics on the charity’s website show he is the third most successful fundraiser across the UK.
The team managed to bring in more than £1400 in less than three days.
Murray is in his second year at Wick High School. He joined the army cadets about a year ago.
“I mostly enjoy weekend and annual camps so I can see my friends from different companies,” he said. “It’s also good to challenge yourself and do many different activities you usually wouldn’t do outside the Army Cadet Force.”
Asked why he wanted to raise money for veterans, Murray said: “I felt it was important as they gave their tomorrow for our today.
“I also thought it was important to just help them as they gave up a lot for us, and life could be challenging for them.”
Jordan Tillier has been commander of the Wick detachment of the Army Cadet Force for nine years. He is faculty head for social subjects and religious and moral education at Wick High.
“Murray’s efforts are outstanding for a cadet of his age, and an inspiration for other cadets across the Highlands,” Mr Tillier said.
“I’m incredibly proud of the community spirit that he is showing. Throughout his time as a cadet, every adult has commended Murray for his maturity, effort and enthusiasm.”
Anyone interested in finding out more about the Army Cadet Force can visit armycadets.com or contact Mr Tillier through the school.
The Wick cadets meet at their centre in Macrae Street on Wednesday evenings.
The Thurso cadets meet in Princes Street on Tuesdays, and the Halkirk detachment meets in Crescent Street on Thursdays. The times are from 7pm to 9pm in each case.
