Every year, 2487 Easingwold Air Cadets fundraise for a different charity. This year marks the squadron's 50th Anniversary and so it seemed appropriate to choose a charity particularly close to the units heart.

Last year, our ex Cadet Warrant Officer, Rhiannon Parker-Nicholls suffered a stroke while in Oxford aged 19. Due to the lack of awareness of strokes in young people, it took six weeks for her to be diagnosed with a stroke.

Now on the staff team as a civilian Instructor, Rhiannon is spending this year raising awareness of strokes in young people as well as fundraising for the charity.

The help Rhiannon received from Different Strokes was probably the best thing that could have happened to her. With the help of one of their ambassadors, Alex Murphy, Rhiannon found the cause of her stroke, a very rare auto-immune blood disorder. The early diagnosis enabled Rhiannon to start treatment against the condition early and prevent further strokes and potentially life threatening incidents.

Due to the help and support Rhiannon received, she is passionate about spreading awareness and raising money for this charity who did so much for her.

With the support of the cadets and staff on squadron, Rhiannon is aiming to raise £3,000 for the charity while celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Squadron. 

Events include a sponsored Flight Simulator run by the cadets, Road marching, ice skating a marathon, sponsored sports events and events held in the community. The main aim of the charity is to try and raise awareness as well as fundraise for those sufferering the effects of having a stroke. 

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