Sheffield sea cadet thanked for helping flood victims

Tom Gregory, aged 14, canvassed support for the idea on social media and was inundated with donations - from food and clothing to mops for cleaning.

The University Technical College student in Sheffield said: “During the Christmas break from college and cadets, I was aware of the news of all the flooding that had taken place in Northern England and other areas, and some only a few miles away.

“I proposed to cadets on social media that I thought it may be a good idea to try to help the people affected in some way. I was pleased at all the responses I had from cadets willing to help.

“With staff also on-board an idea was put forward that we would collect cleaning supplies and food that was needed in the area, and to transport it up in the unit’s minibus to a pub we had made contact with that had been flooded themselves, called the Dusty Miller in the Calder Valley. They would not only store what we had collected but said they’d also distribute it to those who needed it.

“The collection took place at the unit on January 2 and the response from the public was great. We then took the supplies where they were greatly received. I am very glad that we could do something to help.”

Sheffield Royal Marine Cadet Volunteer Sergeant John Daley, 45, said: “In one day we got enough supplies to clean a ship.

“They made a lot of people realise what can be achieved with an idea and determination. Thanks to every cadet who took time out of their holidays, and every member of public who dropped in so many goods.”

Sheffield Sea Cadets’ Commanding Officer, Chris Knapton, said: “We have a great Ship’s Company in Sheffield, and it’s when cadets go out of their way to think about others, even during the holiday season, which really show us at our best.”

The Sea Cadets is a charity set up in to help develop young people aged 10-18 years old.

It forms part of a nationwide network of Sea Cadet units which has been giving young people training, skills and experiences on a naval theme since the first unit was established in 1854.

Visit the unit on Rutland Road, Broomhall, on Mondays and Thursdays between 7pm and 9pm.