The Award Winning Ark Alexandra Academy CCF

Over the past four years, Ark Alexandra Academy CCF have participated in March in March, a virtual event created by Combat Stress which encourages participants to walk, run or roll ten miles during the month of March. The aim of the event is to raise vital funds for Combat Stress – a charity that helps to make a real difference to thousands of veterans who have complex mental health issues. Since taking part, Ark Alexandra Academy CCF has successfully raised over £37,000 for the charity.

The CCF are extremely proud to announce that because of the contingent’s hard work, determination and dedication, Ark Alexandra Academy were yesterday (26 February 2026) awarded Combat Stress’ Cadet Unit of the Year 2025.

The awards ceremony was held at the In & Out Club in St James’s Square London and brought together individuals from across the country who have gone to significant efforts to fund raise for Combat Stress.

The award is an extremely high honour and the CCF would like to congratulate everyone involved – from the amazing cadets to the hard work Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, you are all incredible.

A Team of High Achievers

Ark Academy CCF is consistently placed within the top three of CCF team leaderboards year on year. Speaking about the cadet’s achievements, Contingent Commander Nick Burchell said "I could not be prouder of my cadets. Every year they fully embrace the challenge of raising money for this worthwhile charity and take on the physical demands of the walk in full uniform. As a school in a challenging area on the south coast with high levels of deprivation, my cadets step up and raise fantastic sums for the charity. As a veteran I am so privileged to engage with the charity and for my cadets to see the worth of the work they do."

Sign Up for March in March

Thinking about signing your contingent up for March in March? Here’s just a few reasons why you should take part:

• The event encourages teamwork and friendship – bringing everyone together for the same worthwhile cause

• It gets cadets out of the classroom and into the fresh air, boosting everyone’s health and wellbeing

• It helps encourage important conversations around mental health

• The event is open to everyone – it is your contingent’s challenge so you can work out the way to complete the miles over the month

• It is a lot of fun!

If you would like your contingent to take part, please click here.

More about Combat Stress

Many veterans across the UK continue to carry the unseen effects of their time in service. For some, conditions like PTSD create ongoing challenges that can impact family life, employment and overall wellbeing. Too often, these struggles are faced alone, with veterans unsure of where to find help. By taking part in March in March, or supporting someone who is, you are helping to ensure veterans can access the vital mental health care they deserve.

The money raised will help fund:

• 24/7 access to support through a dedicated Helpline, available whenever help is needed.

• Expert clinical care provided by specialist professionals, helping veterans move forward and rebuild their lives.

• Peer support networks that connect veterans, reduce loneliness and restore confidence through shared experience.

• Innovative research into PTSD and other service-related mental health conditions, shaping better treatments now and for the future.

Good luck to everyone taking part and congratulations to Ark Alexandra Academy CCF for all their amazing work and continuing to support such a worthwhile cause.