Newtownabbey Army cadet appointed Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for Belfast

Cadet Corporal Wilson is a senior cadet from the Monkstown Detachment, Army Cadet Force (ACF) which meets at the Abbey Community College.

The role of being the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet is to act as the aide to HMLL while at events including Royal visits, garden parties and Remembrance Day.

The Lord Lieutenant’s Cadets wear a distinctive red sash with the badge of their appointment to denote their role.

They assist the Lord Lieutenant as required and act as ambassadors for their organisations and the young people of Northern Ireland. They are chosen on their merits within their respective cadet forces and for their dedication and work within the local community.

This accolade recognises and honours, true commitment and dedication of an individual within their community.

A spokesperson for the Army Cadet Force said: “Cadet Corporal Wilson joined the ACF in September 2016 and over the years she has matured into a confident and highly capable young lady.

“She is an enthusiastic, dedicated and deeply committed cadet, who is willing to carry out any task asked of her, and always performs to the best of her ability.”

Her Detachment Commander (DC), SMI Christine Hawthorne, who is also the Company

Sergeant Major, explained: “Cadet Corporal Wilson is a regular attendee at the Detachment, and as a very confident and competent senior cadet, is used to training new recruits, and the more experienced 1-Star cadets.

“She is a real asset on Company training weekends as she is very approachabe to the younger female cadets attending, and will willingly take them under her wing for the duration of the weekend.

“Always very polite, well mannered and respectful, she goes out of her way to greet cadets and visitors into the Detachment, where she is held in high regard by adults and cadets alike.

“This appointment is seen as a great accolade not only for Corporal Wilson but for the Detachment and Company. We all wish her the very best during her year as the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet.”

Cadet Corporal Wilson is also very competitive and has had success in shooting where she successfully made it into the National Cadet Small-Bore Top 50, a major achievement given her age and the size of the ACF nationally.

Cadet Corporal Wilson has also competed in the 38 (Irish) Brigade’s First Aid, Swimming and Hockey competitions. She has completed her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award and is working on her Silver Award.

The Officer Commanding, D Company Major David Doak said: “Cadet Wilson is extremely hard working and reliable, clearly ‘head and shoulders’ above her peers, she is frequently reported on highly by the Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs), particularly during training weekends, for her hard work, determination, reliability and willingness to better herself.

“She is widely regarded as a highly successful cadet, who is an ideal role model for younger cadets. Coming from an Irish Guards Detachment, her turnout and bearing are, as expected, outstanding, as she is meticulous about her appearance.

“I personally want to wish Cadet Corporal Wilson every success in her role as the ‘Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet’ for Belfast.”

On finding out about the honour bestowed on her; Ellie-Mae said; “It was such a shock to find out that I have not only been nominated, but chosen to be the Lord Lieutenant Cadet for Belfast.

“I am aware of HMLL Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle and I am looking forward to representing the Army Cadets alongside her while on civic duties. The accolade of being a Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet was something I had dreamed of, but never thought I’d ever get the chance to become one.

“I’m so looking forward to my next year as the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for Belfast.”

Ellie-Mae is currently studying at Abbey Community College and was recently awarded a school cup for her GCSE Art and Design.

She is also a member of the St John Ambulance Cadets, and volunteers to help out at her local youth club.

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