Whittlesey teenager collects thousands of cans for helipad charity

The 13-year-old has successfully networked with local people and businesses to collect thousands of aluminium cans, and is engaged in daily sponsored cycling with the intention of completing 874 miles; the distance from Lands End to John O’Groats.

Helipads for Hospitals is appealing for aluminium cans which can be recycled and used in the manufacture of helipads. These will allow helicopters carrying critically ill patients to save crucial time by landing closer to life saving facilities.

This project is part of Frankie’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Course. The DofE course challenges young people with a series of self-improvement exercises, including a six-month long volunteering component, and is fully supported by The Army Cadet Force, of which Frankie is a member at Whittlesey Detachment.

The Army Cadet Force also places emphasis on community work, and having previously fund-raised for Helipads for Hospitals, one of his instructors suggested the charity to Frankie and his family.

Frankie has been supported by his parents, Lisa and Matthew, who helped him to set up a successful social media campaign to spread the word. His promotional efforts have included a letter he has just sent to Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, asking for help due to The Prince’s connections with the local area and the Air Ambulance.

His sponsored cycling efforts involve cycling 10-20 miles a day around The Whittlesey area, which has helped to keep him fit and active during the lockdown.

“I feel like this is a really good opportunity, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award should open doors for me in the future. Doing charity work for Helipads for Hospitals is a really good cause, and I’m really proud of my family for their help, and really pleased with all the support I have been getting from local people- its been fantastic.”

Army Cadet spokesman Doug Stuart said: “Cadet Newbatt is demonstrating many important values we like to see in our cadets, determination, discipline, initiative, and the desire to help others. “