Flt. Lt. Karin Scott RAFAC, Officer Commanding 1407 (Newton Aycliffe) Squadron Air Cadets, was able to fulfil a promise made to Bill Cooksey last year following his huge challenge of walking 100 miles to fundraise for his local NHS Charity.
Bill’s massive challenge was over 10 days, walking 10 miles every day, culminating in a big finish on his 100th birthday and a surprise visit from County Durham’s Lord Lieutenant, Mrs. Sue Snowdon, who presented Bill with a birthday card from Her Majesty The Queen.
Although originally Bill thought he would raise just a few hundred pounds for charity, he actually raised a massive £2570, only recently closing his fundraising page.
It was during birthday celebrations and reminiscing with the Lord Lieutenant that Bill shared memories of his military career during the war.
As an ex RAF Aircraft Engine Technician Bill served in places as far afield as Libya, Mrs Snowdon was enthralled to hear of his ventures which included learning to fly a Tiger Moth Aircraft and how he nearly clipped the Control Tower on take off.
Bill, who retired as a corporal, always had the desire to make Sergeant and it has taken some months to organise, but in recognition of his outstanding efforts to raise money for the County Durham & Darlington FT Charity, several people put their heads together to see what could be done for this wonderful local hero.
Presenting Bill with a classically framed certificate of achievement incorporating a set of Gold RAF Sergeant stripes, confirmed his rank to that of Honorary Sgt of the 1407 Air Cadets Squadron.
Bill also received a separate certificate of thanks and appreciation from Pat Chambers, Charity Development Manager for CDDFT Charity, who said, “We are in total awe of the fabulous achievement from this wonderful local hero – I am sure many would have struggled to complete 10 miles every day for 10 days – but Bill did it – in all weathers, using his roller zimmer frame. We are delighted that he wanted to complete this challenge for us and Darlington Memorial Hospital and overjoyed that he has also been awarded the Honorary Rank of Sergeant which I know means so much to him.”