Generous trainee sailors based at HMS Raleigh have donated their spare cash to charity, having been inspired by one of their mentors.
The 58 recruits of Fisher Division 17/12 entry put aside money throughout their 10-weeks at Raleigh to purchase souvenirs at the end of their training.
When time came to buy the keepsakes, the group had exceeded the money they needed by £135 and so decided to give it all to Terry Whitty, one of their Royal Naval Association (RNA) mentors, for him to donate to charity.
Terry, who served in the Royal Navy for 27 years, is one of the veteran mentors who support the recruits as they make the transition from civilians to sailors.
As a member of the Liskeard Branch of the RNA, Terry works as a Welfare Officer, drawing money from various charities to help his fellow veterans in times of need.
Terry said: “This time we split the money between the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust, the Armed Forces charity known as SSAFA, and the Mayor of Liskeard’s charity, which this year is supporting the Stroke club and two local junior schools.
"We talk to the recruits during week five about the various charities which offer support to Servicemen and Servicewomen. I’d say 99% of the recruits have not heard of the RNA or the Royal British Legion before.”
Veterans are assigned to each training Division at HMS Raleigh and become familiar faces to the recruits as they complete their course.
Warrant Officer 1 Amanda Knight, Fisher Divisional Training Officer, said: “The veterans are very popular with the recruits. They look forward to the training sessions the veterans attend. The veterans’ experience of life in the Service and at sea is invaluable to the recruits as they start their careers in the Armed Forces.”
Terry has been a mentor for the past four years. He said: “Being a mentor is such an honour and privilege, being able to see the next generation of sailors pass a difficult 10 weeks.
"The staff treat the veterans with the upmost respect, which is nice.
"They are exceptional. I know all the veterans are proud of our service, but when we go to the passing-out-parade in week 10 and meet the recruits and their families it's a proud day for all of us, including the staff and veterans.
"I can't thank the staff enough, especially In Fisher Division, for making the veterans feel part of the training team.”
