A sea cadet branch faces closure if it does not get urgent funding.
Commanding officer of Sutton Sea Cadets, Lt Cdr Ian Turner estimates the unit – which set up in the 1940s – will be forced to close in just three weeks time if it does not get any more funds.
The unit known as TS Puma costs £1,000 a month to run but, unlike Army and Air Cadets, does not receive MOD funding.
It is a registered charity and relies entirely on donations, but fundraising has become difficult as a result of the recession.
Lt Cdr Turner said it would be a “tragedy” if the Beddington Park-based unit closed, and was appealing for members of the public to make donations.
Lt Cdr Turner, who has run the unit for almost 15 years, said: “Despite the best efforts of our small group of volunteer staff, parents and supporters, we have been unable to sustain the level of fundraising to ensure the future of our unit. Our unit is thriving on the cadet front, with numbers set to grow over the next few weeks. I feel very sad that the unit is facing closure.”
Sutton Sea Cadets is responsible for raising all the necessary funds to remain open, including the payment of utilities, maintenance costs, equipment and day-to-day running costs.
Dave Dee, parent of sea cadets 16-year-old Emma and 14-year-old Aidan, said: “It would be absolutely terrible if it closed. The cadets will be upset – it’s a big part of their lives and a lot of them want to have careers in the Royal Navy.”
Donations contact Lt Cdr Turner on 020 8669 8219, or 07889 874945, or write to 16 Defiant Way, Wallington, Surrey SM6 9HD.
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