A Staffordshire Police Cadet is heading to South Africa after her dedication and work with the cadets helped her triumph in a national competition.
Megan Montford has been a member of the Cadet unit in Burslem since it was established two years ago. The 16-year-old devotes two-and-a-half hours a week to the Cadets, plus the time she volunteers at events across the county, working alongside PCSOs and Specials.
It was her dedication to these activities which saw Staffordshire Police Cadets put Megan forward for national educational charity CVQO’s Duke of Westminster award. The award recognises exemplary cadets from organisations including the armed forces, police and fire service.
Following a series of challenges including physical tasks, interviews, presentations and teamwork exercises, Megan was selected as one of 10 cadets – from around 500 applicants – who will go on an expedition to South Africa in July.
Megan said: “I can’t describe how happy I am to be able to do this. I am so excited as this is something I have always wanted to do – to go and show people who are less fortunate that we are here to help them.
“When I joined the Cadets two years ago I was shy and I wouldn’t speak to anybody. I look back now and see how much confidence the Cadets has given me along with opportunities to do things and meet so many nice people in the police service.”
Megan competes as a kickboxer across the country, and has won several titles in the eight years she had been doing the sport, including National Champion, European Champion and English Open Champion. The former Chesterton High School pupil has also competed at a national level as a trampolinist.
The Staffordshire Police Cadet Service was launched by Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis to strengthen links between the police and young people and promote good citizenship. Successful Cadet units have been launched in Stafford, Cannock, Burslem, Tamworth and Longton.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Arnold said: “The Cadet scheme has had a positive influence on the lives of many young people in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent.
“I am so proud of Megan and all that she has achieved using the Cadets as a springboard. She fully deserves this trip of a lifetime which I’m sure will be a marvellous experience for her.
“The Cadets depend on financial support from businesses and other organisations to thrive. As the service expands we’re looking for more people to get involved and help make a real difference to young people’s lives.”
Businesses are invited to become Patrons or Sponsors to help fund uniforms and equipment for the Cadets. In return for becoming a Patron, businesses’ contributions are recognised through publicity, a framed certificate and other opportunities. Police Mutual became the inaugural Patrons after paying for uniforms for Cadets in the Stafford unit. For more details on Cadets and the patronage scheme click here
