From bushtucker trials to running 80 miles, a cadet leader from Solihull is hoping to rise to his cadets’ challenges all in the name of charity.

Wing Commander Stuart Iles, 54, is aiming to complete 80 challenges set by the cadets

of the Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing Air Training Corps he commands. The fundraiser is part of celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the RAF Air Cadets.

The youth organisation has partnered with the RAF Benevolent Fund to launch a campaign to raise £80,000, inspiring participants to complete 80 miles in 80 days. The challenge runs until 19 August with money raised split between the Fund and the RAF Air Cadets General Purpose Fund.

Stuart, who can be sponsored via his fundraising page: rafbf.enthuse.com/pf/stuart-iles, said: “I decided to take on this challenge to raise money for a really worthy cause while having some fun with my wing. This a fantastic opportunity for me to support to RAF personnel, past and present, many of whom are former cadets.

“My wing has set me 80 different challenges, for example running 80 miles, walking 80 miles and skipping for 80 minutes. There are also some more daunting challenges which await me like learning a TikTok dance and taking part in a bushtucker trial!”

Set up in 1941, the Combined Cadet Force and Air Training Corps are collectively known as the RAF Air Cadets. The groups provide youngsters aged 13 and above with opportunities for adventure, training and skills including learning to fly a glider.

The air cadets and the RAF Benevolent Fund have a long history of working together. As a charity which supports the RAF Family, the Fund has always been able to rely on support from the cadets in this mission with everything from fundraising efforts to supporting veterans and serving personnel at Fund events.

To mark the organisation’s 80th anniversary, the RAF Benevolent Fund is proud to offer an enhanced package of welfare support for the RAF Air Cadets, including members of the Combined Cadet Force. Support includes emotional wellbeing, counselling and bereavement support, as well as financial support if a member is killed, on or off duty. This also extends to staff cadets and uniformed volunteers.