Army Cadets from Caithness offered comfort to a charity fundraiser when their fundraising attempt was halted due to the new December COVID-19 Restrictions.
On December 23, cadets from Caithness Company 1st Battalion The Highlanders Army Cadet Force visited Scrabster Harbour to support Jordan Wylie (37) from Channel 4’s Hunted. Jordan was raising money for Frontline Children – a charity focused on helping children who are caught in the middle of conflict and war.
Jordan, an ex-soldier and National Ambassador to the Army Cadet Force, was raising money for the charity as part of The Great British Paddle. It was an Official Guinness World Record Attempt to Circumnavigate the UK on a Stand-Up Paddle Board. However, Jordan was forced to abandon his attempt early due to the new Scottish Government COVID-19 Restrictions.
After 149 days, 7 hours and 36 minutes at sea as well as 2377.29 kilometres of travelling, Jordan’s journey came to a halt at Scrabster. He was 23 kilometres from John O’Groats, which would have been a new Guinness World Record in itself for paddling from Land’s End to John O’Groats.
Jordan said: “I said from day one that this was never about world records, awards or any kind of applause, it was about inspiring young people both overseas and back home through the gift of education and the spirit of adventure.”
A small number of Cadets and Adults from Caithness Company met Jordan at Scrabster Harbour to congratulate him on his incredible journey. They wanted to pass on the Battalion’s warmest regards and messages of support from across the Army Cadet Force. The visit was allowed as the Highlands were in Tier 1 at the time.
After Jordan gave a few short words to the cadets, the cadets presented him with a Battalion Plaque and a ‘Caithness Care Package’. The care package included various local produce from Caithness as well as a gift package from Stacks Coffee House in John O’Groats. The final presentation the Battalion made was a cheque for £500 as a donation for Frontline Children, who Jordan was raising funds for. The presentations were made by Thurso Detachment Commander Sergeant Major Instructor Stuart Taggart (31).
Jordan started his journey on July 26 in Essex. During his five months at sea, he travelled through five countries and even crossed the Irish Sea twice. Despite the challenges, he still set the record for paddle boarding at sea for the longest time. He has also raised £83,000 for Frontline Children as part of The Great British Paddle so far.
