Naomi lives in Carlisle and works at our head office as a Savings & Current Account Product Analyst. She is also Squadron Commander with RAF Air Cadets 1247 Penrith Squadron.
Naomi, 24, dedicates around 100 hours per month to helping young people gain skills and qualifications, confidence and have fun. She joined the Air Cadets aged 16 with her sister and loved it so much that she now volunteers there. “I got so much out of air cadets” she says.
Naomi’s achievements include a BTech in aviation studies. “My favourite thing is probably flying. We do it at RAF Leeming. I was 17 when I first flew. The pilot takes you up and he would take you through the controls and you get to do aerobatics. We did barrel rolls and loop the loops. It’s amazing,” she says.
RAF Air Cadets caters for young people aged 12 to 20 and there is no expectation for them to go into
the armed forces afterwards.
“The opportunities are endless,” she says. “I just enjoy seeing the cadets develop. Flying and gliding
are two of the most popular activities. The cadets love adventure training, climbing and getting out
walking in the Lake District.
“They love getting away on summer camps and going to air shows. One hundred percent it helps
confidence. They get first aid skills, leadership skills and team working and communication skills, and
STEM activities.”
Naomi received a citation in the New Year’s Honours in 2022 for helping 100 cadets gain
qualifications during lockdown – a brilliant achievement and a real example of kindness in action, helping young people to achieve their dreams.
Winnie Poaty grew up in the Republic of Congo where swimming in the sea was off limits for safety reasons. But after moving to the Lake District in 2006, she discovered Windermere.
We're celebrating the people who make us who we are, by sharing their stories.
Christine Leith, Operational Resilience Manager, devotes her spare time to helping others in a crisis situation.