Disabilities don’t define you

Posted 5hrs ago
by James Trimble

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A kid with ADHD, Tourette’s, Social Anxiety, Autism, and can still get an award from a lord lieutenant!!

I joined the air cadets in 2021 at 14 years old thinking it was just another club I could be a joker in. Early 2023 I decided to take a break as I wasn’t getting anywhere in cadets and all I did was mess around, I also lost my nan. She was the standard bearer on Remembrance Day so I wanted to do something in her name.

So a few months later I urged myself to go back to cadets and become the squadron standard bearer, which I did! I found cadets a little daunting due to my Tourette’s, ADHD and Anxiety’s, but I never let that stop me.

Since then I’ve been to countless RAF bases across the country, Volunteered heavily in the poppy appeal and Marie Curie, I have been to Bali, I have also been promoted through the ranks to the rank of Sergeant and have also delivered different inclusion presentations including ones on Tourette’s and how important it is to raise awareness.

I have tried my very hardest to be the best role model I can to the cadets and other fellow NCOs wherever I go. This resulting in me being awarded the Lord Lieutenant cadet Award for Endeavour to the services of the Royal Air Force air cadets.

It just goes to show that no matter who you are or what you may have, it will never define you as a person, and if you want it, you can do it!

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