Lieutenancy of South Yorkshire

Alfie Bretton

Sea cadet

I am a cadet at T.S. Diomede (Barnsley Sea Cadets) I have been a member now for six years starting in the Junior Section, moving into the Sea Cadets before joining the Royal Marines Cadet Detachment, I am presently a Lance Corporal, but will be on the upcoming promotion board to Corporal. I have undertaken four camps, and I proudly represent the unit at boating competitions. I have attended an offshore event recently onboard T.S. Royalist which was a fantastic experience. I have also recently undertaken a skydive top raise money for the Cadets and managed to raise £370.00.

Outside of cadets I am a keen boxer and compete representing Barnsley Amateur Boxing Club.

I am also a member of Grimethorpe Junior Fishing Club and Athersley Recreational Fishing Club and coach and mentor other young enthusiasts.

I also work at Barnsley Football Club and in September I am heading to college to study Mechanical Engineering.

George Coddington

Army cadet

I am Sergeant George Coddington from Corps of Drums Detachment, Doncaster. I joined the Army Cadet Force in the spring of 2022.

Throughout my 3 and a half years in cadets, I have had the opportunity to attend dozens of camps, parades, ceremonies, and events. Each of these experiences has led me to grow as a person, in confidence and discipline, and to put my leadership skills into practice. I have also acquired passions for fieldcraft, drill, and teaching.

An example of such an event was my Senior Cadet Instructor Course. The course dramatically tested and improved my administration skills, and I took full advantage of the fact that we had experienced, regular soldiers in charge of us.

Throughout the week, I acquired vast swathes of their knowledge, resulting in me being a better all round cadet. This was most evident at the end of the week when I was given command of section, and tasked with conducting a section attack on an enemy position. I fulfilled this role exceptionally, and my confidence, leadership, and fieldcraft skills, all greatly benefited.

I currently attend New College, Doncaster, where I am studying A levels in psychology, criminology, and politics. I play rugby as a back-rower for the college team, as well as for Doncaster Knights Colts. Another hobby is going to the gym, and keeping myself fit. I also practice Muay Thai; a martial art involving the striking of fists, knees, shins, and elbows.

After completing my A levels, I plan to go to Sandhurst. From there, I aspire to join the Parachute Regiment, where I will start as a platoon commander.

Achieving the prestigious role of the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet derives great satisfaction from me, as it has been something I have strived for as a cadet. I now wish to further inspire cadets to achieve as much as they can, living by the ACF motto.

Isaac

Air cadet

I am cadet Flight Sergeant Isaac Bleything from 103 (Doncaster) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets. I joined the corps in September 2021.

Coming up to four years of service and I have been presented with so many life enhancing opportunities and events. Throughout my time at 103 Squadron, I have been able to represent not only my Squadron but also Wing at several events.

One such event was the 107th Nijmegen four-day international road march in which I participated in July of this year (2025). As well as fulfilling a personal ambition, I found the whole event to be an amazing experience.

I have also represented my squadron at numerous camps, such as Greens Camp, RAF Station Camps and Battlefields Tour.

I have had opportunities few cadets get to experience, for example laying the wreath at Menin Gate in Ypres in late 2023.

During my term as the Lord Lieutenant's Cadet, I wish to inspire cadets in my wing to always strive for greatness and provide them the very same opportunities that I have had presented to me.

Looking into the future I wish to attend the royal military academy Sandhurst to strive to become an officer in the royal horse artillery. I aspire to lead groups of personal in to combat and run humanitarian aid missions.