2025 Excellence Award Winners

Cadet Colour Serjeant Theo Knight

Cadet Colour Serjeant Theo Knight has shown exceptional initiative and leadership by teaching himself the bugle and Bugle Major cane drill, progressing rapidly through his Music 3* and 4* awards and performing at the national Bugle Major Competition. He has become a driving force for music within his battalion, writing and delivering training for junior cadets, coordinating communication among musicians, and setting high standards of turnout and performance that others aspire to match. Representing both the Army Cadets and his local Royal British Legion branch at events including Armed Forces Day, a former Adult volunteer’s funeral and the Poppy Appeal, he has consistently demonstrated professionalism, maturity and dedication, proving what can be achieved in Army Cadet Music through self‑motivation and service to others.

WOII Derek Corbett

Warrant Officer Class 2 Derek Corbett has devoted over 40 years to the Durham ACF Band, using his musical talent to serve his community, inspire generations of cadets and honour veterans. Derek has represented the Army Cadets at stadiums and international commemorations, including events in Arnhem and parades marking the Battle of Trafalgar, as well as welcoming Gold DofE cadets at the Scotland–England border with his bagpipes. He plays at every Remembrance parade for the Durham Light Infantry Association, has performed the Last Post at countless veterans’ funerals, and regularly appears at remembrance services where he holds the record for the most performances at Gateshead Cenotaph. His unwavering commitment, professionalism and mentorship make him a powerful role model.

Cadet Cameron Mills

Cadet Cameron Mills has transformed his own challenges into a force for good in his community by founding Reboot, a project that collects unwanted football boots, cleans and repackages them, and donates them to children and young people who otherwise could not afford them, removing financial barriers so they can play football. Cameron found a welcoming environment at Bristol Rovers Community Trust, where he discovered a passion for coaching and now regularly volunteers at Premier League Kicks sessions, including disability football and diversion programmes for young people at risk, where he helps design and lead training alongside staff. Through his sustained volunteering, leadership and the impact of Reboot, Cameron is doing more for his community than many adults, all while balancing his education and Army Cadets commitments.

Cadet Deaken-James Towle

Cadet Deaken-James Towle has shown remarkable commitment to tackling homelessness in his community through his work with Shildon Alive, where he volunteers to organise and distribute practical care packages. Crucially, he secured extra funding and support by writing formal letters to the local mayor and councillors, speaking at a council meeting, and building partnerships with local businesses, care homes, wellbeing groups and more. Cadet Deaken-James’ initiative has increased donations, strengthened multi‑agency working and ensured vital resources reach vulnerable people. Through his leadership, determination and willingness to give up his own time, Deaken-James has inspired other cadets and young volunteers to get involved in community action and shown how one young person can drive meaningful, lasting change.

“I hope more people realise it doesn’t matter how old you are, if you want to help the homeless, you can.”
– Cadet Deaken-James Towle

Captain Vicki Brooks

Captain Vicki Brooks has shown exceptional leadership and vision by growing the Eyes On Hands On volunteering project in her community, which gives cadets meaningful opportunities to clean, research and care for war graves while learning about local history and service. Through determined advocacy, she helped persuade the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to change national policy so that under‑18s could take part under trained leadership, then became the first accredited leader in her region and mentored others to follow. Coordinating teams across South Yorkshire, Doncaster, Hull, Thorne and Rotherham, she has built a sustainable, multi‑site programme that benefits cadets, adult volunteers and local communities, earning civic recognition and media coverage while ensuring the memory of the fallen is honoured for years to come.

Cadet Company Sergeant Major Rubyann Held

Showing exceptional commitment and resilience, Cadet Company Sergeant Major Rubyann Held has completed all three levels of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and completed her Gold expedition despite being injured on the first day. As Scotland’s first Army Cadet to enrol in the DofE Young Leaders Course, she now leads on DofE activity for her detachment and company, mentors a cohort of eight Young Leaders, and supports cadets and adults across the battalion, both in person and online. Alongside volunteering in a charity shop, progressing in kickboxing to national team selection, and achieving 4 Star and Military Skills representation, she is also planning fundraising so that cadets who cannot afford enrolment fees can still access DofE, making her an outstanding role model and driving force for opportunity across the battalion.

Major Roberta Turkington MBE

Major Roberta Turkington MBE is an exceptional leader, whose four decades of voluntary service to the Army Cadet Force and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Northern Ireland have transformed opportunities for hundreds of young people and adult volunteers.
Serving in senior roles including Detachment Commander, Company Commander, Deputy Commandant and Area DofE Officer, as well as Chair of the DofE Advisory Panel and Manager for the ACF Northern Ireland licence, she has driven the delivery of DofE and vocational qualifications with unwavering passion and precision. She has masterminded major initiatives such as Gold Residentials at Ballykinler, stewarded every Gold Award presentation in Northern Ireland, and personally organised national Gold expeditions in the Mourne Mountains, helping more than 550 cadets and young adult volunteers achieve a DofE Award in the last decade. Alongside this strategic leadership, she continues to deliver expeditions and navigation training on the ground, giving up countless evenings and weekends to mentor cadets and volunteers, raise standards, and inspire a culture of service, resilience and ambition across Northern Ireland.

WOII Bronwyn Mauchline

Warrant Officer Class 2 Bronwyn Mauchline has transformed first aid training and capacity in Middlesex & North West London Sector ACF since stepping into a long‑vacant Sector/County First Aid Officer role in 2023, rapidly qualifying to teach, running courses and creating a thriving competition programme. Alongside becoming a highly skilled casualty simulation specialist, whose realistic “wounds” now feature at regional competitions and inter-service events, she has led her sector teams to back‑to‑back regional wins and national representation. Under her leadership, large numbers of adults and cadets have gained vital first aid qualifications, with several using their skills in real emergencies, including WO2 Mauchline herself, who saved a colleague from choking.

Cadet Corporal Elena Chelariu

Cadet Corporal Elena Chelariu is an outstanding sportswoman whose quiet confidence, dedication and consistently high performance make her a deserving winner of the ACCT UK Excellence in Sport Award. In 2025, she was selected for the National Football Captains’ Choice Award, recognising her leadership and influence within the squad, and represented Middlesex & North West London Sector ACF at the Rivalry Cup, where she secured three gold medals at Regional trials. Alongside continuous year‑round commitment to training and competition, she actively encourages other cadets, especially girls and younger cadets, to get involved in sport, supporting less confident teammates, raising standards and strengthening Middlesex & North West London Sector ACF’s reputation through her professionalism, reliability and example.

Staff Sergeant Bo Anderson

Staff Sergeant Bo Anderson is an exceptional volunteer, whose dedication, professionalism and passion for sport, especially archery, have rapidly made her a leading figure in her battalion and region. Since joining in 2022, she has attended every sports weekend, become B Company’s Sports Officer, led archery across both battalions and, in 2025, selected and coached Northern Ireland’s first National archery teams to runners‑up and third place at their debut championships. Alongside maintaining equipment, mentoring new instructors and stepping in at short notice for national rugby and football events, she invests extensive personal time running training and coaching sessions, creating safe, inclusive and high‑quality experiences that raise standards and open up opportunities for many more cadets to take part and succeed.

Cadet Under Officer Ewan Diyar

Cadet Under Officer Ewan Diyar chose to run his first 10k for ACCT UK in October 2025, explaining, “Without ACCT UK, cadets like myself would never have the chance to access such amazing experiences, and so I felt it was only right to give back to the organisation so future cadets can also enjoy these opportunities.” Ewan completed the run in an impressive 1 hour 8 minutes, raising over £800 and crossing the finish line with a special ‘eyes right’ to his fellow cadets who were cheering him on.

ACCT UK’s Fundraising and Corporate Engagement Manager, Clara Gill, said, “From our first contact, Ewan perfectly embodied the cadet values — polite, organised, and driven. Even with A-level mocks, cadet duties, and other commitments, he managed every detail of his fundraising challenge flawlessly. He ensured all permissions were in place, responded quickly, and kept me updated with a positive attitude. Fundraising takes resilience and dedication, yet Ewan made it look effortless. He planned and delivered a seamless campaign entirely on his own.”

Ewan’s Commandant, Colonel Calver, described him as “an inspiration for other cadets.”

Lieutenant Gina Atkinson

Army Veteran and Army Cadets adult volunteer, Lieutenant Gina Atkinson, has consistently supported ACCT UK through her incredible ventures over the years. In 2025, she walked 100 miles every week, including a trip to the foot of Mount Everest, raising £2,000 for Cadet Challenge 2025.

When asked what drives her, Gina said… “ACCT UK and the Army Cadets matter to me because they give young people resilience, purpose and belief in themselves. If my journey and the funds I raise help them realise that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things, then every step was worth it.”

Elgin Detachment, 1st Battalion The Highlanders ACF

Every single cadet and adult volunteer went above and beyond in 2025. Their continuous commitment to fundraising on behalf of ACCT UK has been an inspiration. With special mention to Cadet Mollie Robinson, aged 13, who contributed £426.25 by taking on a terrifying Bridge Swing.

What’s more, they have already committed to taking on Cadet Challenge 2026… let’s GO!

Nominate an Army Cadet or adult volunteer for the 2026 ACCT UK Excellence Awards here.