Residents across Accrington are being invited to gather and give an encouraging send-off to a local 16-year-old Sea Cadet who is preparing to cycle more than 250 miles to London to raise awareness and funds for Sea Cadets.

Leading Cadet Hadley, from Accrington Sea Cadets, will set off on the challenge on Saturday 28 March, cycling from Accrington to Marine Society & Sea Cadets Headquarters in London over six days.

The community is encouraged to come along to wave the team off from 8.30 am, with the ride officially starting at 9 am, in what organisers hope will be a lively community send-off for the young cadet and his team.

A start line will be set up, with Sea Cadet and Royal Marines Cadet branding, with drone footage capturing parts of the journey. Updates will be shared throughout the ride on social media.

Local dignitaries expected to attend the send-off include MP Sarah Smith and Cllr Zak Khan, Honorary President of 1035 Accrington Air Cadets, with invitations also extended to local youth organisations including Army Cadets, Air Cadets and Scouts, alongside supporters from the Royal British Legion and Lions.

Hadley, 16, is currently the Royal Navy’s First Sea Lord Cadet for the North West Area for 2026 – a prestigious role recognising outstanding cadets.

Despite not being a cyclist by background, he has taken on the challenge after a conversation with Sea Cadets Area Officer Commander Charles Bagot Jewitt during an event aboard HMS Victory earlier this year.

Since then, Hadley has been training hard on the hills around Hameldon, swapping his regular runs for mountain bike sessions to prepare for the demanding journey.

He will be joined on the ride by:

The team will be supported along the route by SLt Nikki Scully-Crane, Commanding Officer at Burton Sea Cadets.

The route will take them along towpaths and cycle routes through:

The ride aims to raise awareness of Sea Cadets and Marine Cadets nationally, while also supporting local units.

Funds raised will help Accrington Sea Cadets purchase wetsuits and all-weather boating clothing for cadets using East Lancashire Sailing Club in Rishton. The equipment will allow the unit to increase time on the water while ensuring activities remain accessible to all young people regardless of financial circumstances.

The unit currently has 38 cadets, and the cost of the additional boating equipment is expected to exceed £2,000.

Organisers say the event is also an opportunity to highlight the wide range of activities available to young people through Sea Cadets, including sailing, powerboating, windsurfing, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, engineering, leadership training and national camps.

Organisers are encouraging as many local residents as possible to attend the send-off.

Liz Scott Illingworth of the Sea Cadets said:

“This is an incredible challenge for a 16-year-old, and we’d love the whole community to come out and give Hadley and the team a fantastic send-off. Seeing a crowd there as they set off would mean a huge amount to the cadets and help highlight the opportunities Sea Cadets provides for young people.

“We’re also looking for more people to join, from the age of 12. It helps so many young people build life skills and confidence, including my three sons!

“Our ultimate goal is to reach out to any young person who would love to be even a small part of this, without having to worry about the cost, their ability or if they would be welcome. It is truly a safe space to grow. Just turn up!”

Please encourage people to join the wave off on Saturday, 28 March at 8.30 am at the Accrington Sea Cadets premises, Harvey Street, Oswaldtwistle, Accrington BB5 3LT.

Supporters can follow the journey on their social media, https://www.facebook.com/accringtonscc and donate via the team’s fundraising page, https://www.justgiving.com/page/charles-bagot-jewitt-2

Amazing Accrington
Author: Amazing Accrington