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Winter 2025 Newsletter

Our Winter 2025 newsletter is out now. INTRODUCTION Welcome to our Winter 2025 e‑newsletter! In this special edition, we’re delighted to announce that His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has become our new Royal Patron—bringing his long‑standing dedication to youth, cadet forces, and the DofE Award. We held our annual Odyssey Circle celebration at Google […]

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RGS Explore Bursaries Inspire the Next Generation of Cadet Adventurers

The Ulysses Trust is proud to have supported 13 young people to attend the Royal Geographical Society’s Explore weekend—one of the UK’s leading gatherings for expedition planning, field research, and adventurous training. The aim of the bursaries was to inspire and enable future leaders to develop exciting and challenging expeditions for the years ahead. Those

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New Report Shows Cadet Units Transform School Communities

A new report from 42 schools with cadet units shows clear, consistent, and overwhelmingly positive impact on pupils’ education, personal development, and wellbeing. Schools reported improved attendance, behaviour, confidence, resilience, and emotional health among cadets, with particularly striking benefits for disadvantaged, SEND, or previously disengaged pupils. Staff wellbeing also improved through volunteering as Cadet Force

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Forces Support Donates £60,000 to The Ulysses Trust to Empower Young People Through Adventure

The Ulysses Trust is delighted to announce a generous donation of £60,000 from Forces Support, a UK charity dedicated to supporting the families of fallen service personnel. This significant contribution will directly enable cadet units across the UK to deliver challenging and life-changing expeditions for young people in the Army Cadets, Royal Navy Cadets and

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His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh becomes Royal Patron of The Ulysses Trust

The Ulysses Trust is honoured to announce that His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh has become Royal Patron of The Ulysses Trust charity. The Ulysses Trust fosters confidence, resilience, and self-awareness by providing funding and expert guidance for challenging and adventurous expeditions undertaken by members of the UK’s Volunteer Reserve and Cadet Forces. These

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The Ulysses Trust Outstanding Service Award – Recognising exceptional Cadet Force Adult Volunteers

The Ulysses Trust Outstanding Service Award celebrates Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) who have made an exceptional contribution to the development of cadets through challenge and adventure. This new award recognises volunteers who plan and deliver cadet expeditions supported by The Ulysses Trust, highlighting both the benefits to the young people who take part and

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Summer 2025 Newsletter

Our Summer 2025 newsletter is out now. IntroductionOur new look e-newsletter aims to keep you informed about some of the recent expeditions we have supported, our latest news and a video presentation for grant applicants. We’re trying a new electronic format for this edition of the newsletter. It saves money on printing and posting, its

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RGS Explore Bursaries for University Officer Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers + Discount Code

The Ulysses Trust is pleased to offer a limited number of bursaries to Officer Cadets, Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers who are aged 18-25 to attend the Royal Geographical Society’s (RGS) Explore event 31 October- 2 November 2025 at the Royal Geographical Society, London. We also have a special discount code for cadets who

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The Ulysses Trust Receives £10,000 Donation from Cambridge Management Consulting to Support Cadets

The Ulysses Trust is delighted to announce the generous donation of £10,000 from Cambridge Management Consulting, an international consulting firm. This contribution will directly support cadet units across the UK to deliver adventurous and challenging expeditions to army, air and sea cadets. The donation was marked by a formal cheque presentation at Cambridge MC’s London

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Cadet & Reservist Expeditions: Shaping Environmental Champions

Our expeditions do more than build resilience—they inspire action for our planet. By embracing eco-friendly travel, zero-waste practices, and hands-on conservation, cadets and reservists gain firsthand insight into climate change and environmental protection. These adventures foster leadership, deepen appreciation for nature, and spark lasting commitment to preserving our world’s precious resources. The evidence from our

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The Impact and Value of School Based Cadet Forces in the UK

A new report has revealed what many in the world of adventurous training already know—experiences like those offered through cadet forces can be life-changing for young people. According to The Impact and Value of School-based Cadet Forces in the UK, published by the Ministry of Defence in partnership with the University of Northampton, joining a

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When Life Gives you Lemons – The Power of Failure

Online Talk – Monday 12th May 2025 In celebration of World Mental Health Week, Speakers for Schools in partnership with The Ulysses Trust hosted an inspiring talk with Sally Orange MBE—former British Army Major, multi-record-breaking adventure athlete, and passionate mental health advocate. From running marathons on every continent to cycling the length of Britain dressed

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Winter 2024 Newsletter

The latest edition of our newsletter is out now. This edition is introduced by our CEO, Polly Marsh and includes reports from reservist, officer cadet and cadet expeditions as follows: Exercise Report: Kelly Offshore 2024 – Twelve cadets from Hebburn Sea Cadets and RMCD braved the waves to set sail aboard the James Cook to

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Unleashing the Power of Adventure: How Outdoor Activities Boost Well-Being

In a world where digital screens dominate daily life, a compelling research paper, “Conceptualising the Power of Outdoor Adventure Activities for Subjective Well-Being: A Systematic Literature Review,” offers an invigorating reminder of the transformative power of nature and adventure. This study synthesizes a wealth of research to explore how outdoor adventure activities—think hiking, rock climbing,

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The Benefits of Adventure for Children

Here’s an extremely useful report entitled: The Benefits of Adventure for Children: A Summary of the Evidence – which has been produced for the Adventure Mind – a collaboration of individuals and organisations including outdoor leaders, researchers, health practitioners, universities, adventure charities and companies. The authors of the report include Ulysses Trust Advisory Officers: Prof.

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4th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment Presented with Best Expedition Award

The first of our prestigious Expedition Awards was presented by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Johanna Ropner (pictured right) on Thursday 3 October 2024. The Trust’s Expedition Awards highlight the very best in leadership, challenge, courage and planning. The latest awards were selected from the 88 cadet and reservist expeditions supported by The Ulysses

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Speakers for Schools: Adventures in Resilience: A Journey to Mental Well-Being

Ulysses Trust ambassador Jordan Wylie MBE delivered a talk to the Speakers for Schools network entitled: Adventures in Resilience: A Journey to Mental Well-Being on Thursday 10th October 2024 – World Mental Health Day. Jordan is an award-winning adventurer, international bestselling author and one of the stars of channel 4’s BAFTA nominated shows “Hunted” and

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Developing Resilient Youth through Outdoor Adventure

The impact of expedition experiences on young people and how these formative adventures shape their adult lives is a topic that invites deep exploration. In this analysis, Mike Blakey, our Grant Applications Committee Manager, delves into the long-term effects of these expeditions. By reconnecting with former expedition cadets, he uncovers surprising insights into how these

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Adventure as Therapy

Expeditions and challenging adventurous activities are good for the body and the mind. We explore the benefits of Adventurous Training (AT) for good mental health.  In an era where mental health concerns are increasingly prevalent, The Ulysses Trust offers an innovative and effective way to enhance well-being through adventurous expeditions. By supporting various challenging and

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Summer 2024 Newsletter

The latest edition of our newsletter is out now. This edition is introduced by our CEO, Polly Marsh and includes reports from reservist, officer cadet and cadet expeditions as follows: Exercise report: Dragon Telemark Blue 2024. Officer Cadets from Cambridge University Officers’ Training Corps embarked on an adventurous expedition to the Hardangervidda plateau in Norway.

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Daring to explore: Speakers for Schools – 15th July 2024

Ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery? Don’t miss this broadcast with world-renowned explorer, writer, & photographer, Levison Wood. Known for his epic expeditions across the globe, like walking the length of the Nile and trekking through the Himalayas, Levison will share his incredible stories & insights into the transformative power of challenge &

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An evening with Ray Mears

Last night we hosted a special event at the Honorary Artillery Company (HAC) to meet our special guest, and Ulysses Trust ambassador, Ray Mears. Following introductions from the HAC’s Major General Simon Lalor and our CEO Polly Marsh DL, cadets Lance Corporal Tia Smythe and Cadet Honneki Samman Perrucha from the City of London Academy

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Veterans are Vital!

Veterans make a huge contribution to the cadet movement as Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) and many help run cadet expeditions, but what’s in it for them? Veterans play a crucial role in the running of many cadet units and The Ulysses Trust recognises how important veterans are in running expeditions too. We are hugely

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Winter 2023 Newsletter

The latest edition of our newsletter is out now. This edition is introduced by our CEO, Polly Marsh and includes reports from reservist, officer cadet and cadet expeditions as follows: Exercise report: Northern Amazonas Fortuna 2023. Reservists from 4th Battalion The Royal Yorkshire Regiment explore the Amazon. Exercise report: Mountain Storm 2023. RAF Air Cadets

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Shackleton Trophy awarded to 129 (Tunbridge Wells) Squadron ATC

20 October 2023 Kent Wing’s RAF Air Cadets 129 (Tunbridge Wells) Squadron has been awarded the prestigious Shackleton Trophy for its ‘Pedal Overlord’ cycling expedition to the Normandy D-day beaches (supported by The Ulysses Trust and RAF Charitable Trust). In May 2023, 129 Squadron’s Pedal Overlord expedition took 16 cadets aged 13-17, supported by 5

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Odyssey Circle Launch

On 12 October 2023 we held a special event to launch our Odyssey Circle – a society of like-minded people who support the Reserves and Cadets through expeditions and the life changing opportunities they represent. It was wonderful to see so many of our supporters in the fabulous Fishmongers’ Hall overlooking the Thames. Thanks to

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Going Eco-friendly

The Trust is keen to encourage expeditions that have a minimal impact on the environment. Is this achievable or is it just a pipe dream? The Ulysses Trust is taking proactive steps to encourage units to reduce the environmental impact of expeditions and their carbon footprint. In the aftermath of COVID-19 we championed UK-based adventures.

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Summer 2023 Newsletter

The latest edition of our newsletter is out now. This edition is introduced by our new CEO, Polly Marsh and includes reports from reservist, officer cadet and cadet expeditions as follows: Exercise report: Northern Yosemite Saltire 2023 – Following in the footsteps of the explorer and environmental advocate John Muir, reservists from 32 Signal Regiment

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Fundraising Plans Announced

The Ulysses Trust was delighted to announce its fundraising plans for the coming years at its annual team briefing event at HMS President on Friday 7 July 2023. The charity’s Trustees have agreed to continue to use Morgen Thomas Ltd for The Ulysses Trust’s fundraising activities. The Trust Chair, AVM Nick Kurth, said, “I am

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BAE Systems Boosts Charity Fundraising To Support Disadvantaged Young People

The Ulysses Trust, a charity that supports adventurous activities for the UK’s Volunteer Reserve and Cadet Forces, has today reached two significant milestones. First, with renewed support of BAE Systems, the Trust’s New Horizons fundraising campaign (launched in 2020 to meet the growing need for support for cadets) has crossed the £2 million threshold. Secondly,

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Winter 2022 Newsletter

The latest edition of our newsletter is out now. This edition features our 30th anniversary celebration event and features reports from reservist, officer cadet and cadet expeditions as follows: 30th Anniversary Celebration Event – A review of our celebration event at Cadogan Hall. Exercise report: Snowdonia – Outward Bound 2022 – Cadets from the Pioneer

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RGS EXPLORE 2022 Conference

Our Chairman, Air Vice-Marshal Nick Kurth, attended the Royal Geographical Society’s (RGS) EXPLORE 2022 event on Saturday 5th November 2022. The event included a presentation by Cadet Sergeants Nicole Mosquera and Gauri Shaji from 282 (East Ham) ATC Squadron (pictured left) regarding their expedition to Costa Rica which was supported by The Ulysses Trust. Our

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Summer 2022 Newsletter

The latest edition of our newsletter is out now. This edition celebrates our 30th anniversary and features reports from reservist, officer cadet and cadet expeditions as follows: How It All Began: DARC STAR 1992 – 30 Years ago a group of reservists set their sights on Everest. Our Vice Chairman Philip Neame was at the

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Everest 100 Day 21

23May 2022 Some fantastic news from Mt Everest! We’ve been following Reservist Garth’s Miller’s journey to Everest and back. Here’s Garth’s latest post… “Thank you for following along on this adventure. On 20 May, for a few short minutes, I had the summit of Mount Everest to myself. 24 hrs later, I summited Lhotse (the

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Nick’s On Target

Our Chairman of Trustees, Air Vice-Marshal N J E Kurth has got a smile on his face. After many weeks of early starts and cycling in sub-zero temperatures Nick has passed his target of £1,000 in sponsorship. Nick is raising money for The Ulysses Trust by cycling the Ride London – Essex 100 on 29th

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New Trustees

We are delighted to have two new recruits join our board of Trustees. Polly Marsh and Colonel Paul Edwards MBE have been volunteering for the Trust as members of our Grants Applications Committee in Spring 2021 and have recently accepted the invitation to join our Board of Trustees. Polly is passionate about young people being

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Everest 100 Day 06

08 May 2022 A great day. Testing and prep’ing my oxygen set and climbing in the Khumbu Icefall with the legend Da Jangbu Sherpa (13 Everest summits). My previous experience of Everest was from the Tibetan side which has nothing like this! Perhaps the most famous and feared section of the climb from Nepal is

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Everest 100 Day 05

07 May 2022 Following a short acclimatisation hike today, tomorrow sees my first exploratory foray into the Khumbu Icefall. The icefall is a maze of fixed lines, ladders and abseils through constantly shifting glacial terrain. It’s certainly not for the faint hearted. Starting just above Base Camp at around 5350m it tops out close to

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Everest 100 Day 01

02 May 2022 En route to Everest. Having previously turned back just a couple of hundred metres from the summit I’ve changed strategy for 2022. This time, rather than climb from Tibet on the northern side of the mountain, I’ve switched to the more commonly climbed South Col route. The final 24hrs of the climb

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Everest 100

Reservist attempts to beat record London – Everest – London. On Monday 2nd May Army Reservist Garth Miller embarked on a unique expedition to Nepal in an attempt to set the ‘fastest known time’ from London to the summit of Mt Everest and back again. Garth’s ambitious ‘Man V Mountain’ expedition coincides with the Trusts’

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Nick Rides Again!

Our Chairman of Trustees, Air Vice-Marshal N J E Kurth CBE FRGS is back in the saddle, once more, raising funds for The Ulysses Trust. Nick completed the Ride London – Surrey 100 in 2018 and again in 2019 to raise funds for the Trust. And he’s doing it all again in 2022! ‘With events

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Winter 2021 Newsletter

The latest edition of our newsletter is out now. This edition features reports from Reservist, Officer Cadet and cadet expeditions as follows: Exercise Report: Lakes Adventure – A multi activity exercise undertaken in the Lake District by cadets from London Wing RAF Air Cadets. Exercise Report: Sapper Fastnet (featured on the front cover) – Royal

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ESUAS Bike Expedition To Mongolia Wins Prince of Wales Award

The second of our prestigious 2019 Prince of Wales’s Expeditionary Awards was presented by Lord-Lieutenant of Fife, Robert Balfour, yesterday. The Prince of Wales’s Expeditionary Awards highlight the very best in leadership, challenge, courage and planning. The annual awards are selected from over one hundred Cadet and Reservist expeditions supported by The Ulysses Trust, whose

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Summer 2021 Newsletter

The latest edition of our newsletter is out now. Without any expeditions to report on we’ve turned our attention to other topics! This edition includes: Artemis MMXXI expedition report – details of the first expedition to be supported by the Trust and successfully deploy since the pandemic struck. Ready, Steady, Go! – A review of

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Winter 2020 Newsletter

The latest edition of our newsletter is out now. Without any expeditions to report on we’ve turned our attention to other topics! This edition includes: COVID-19 Impact Survey – Announcing the results of our recent investigation into the impact of the pandemic on expedition planning. Preparing for the future – Introducing our ‘New Horizons’ fundraising

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7 SCOTS Diving Expedition Wins Prince of Wales Award

The first of our prestigious awards was presented by Lord-Lieutenant of Perth and Kinross, Mr Stephen Leckie on Monday. The Prince of Wales’s Expeditionary Awards highlight the very best in leadership, challenge, courage and planning. The annual awards are selected from over one hundred Cadet and Reservist expeditions supported by The Ulysses Trust, whose patron

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Summer 2020 Newsletter

The latest edition of our newsletter is out now. This edition features plenty of thrills and spills including: + Let’s Go For It! – An article promoting the benefits of UK-based expeditions. + Exercise Report: Northern Scapa Tartan – Reservists from 7 SCOTS dive the murky depths of Scapa Flow to explore the scuttled German fleet wreck

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Winter 2019 Newsletter

The latest edition of our newsletter is out now. This edition features plenty of thrills and spills including: + Ex: Mongolian Endurance – featured on the front cover, this ambitious mountain bike adventure in Mongolia by students from East of Scotland UAS is a thrilling read for 2 wheel enthusiasts. + Ex: Alpine Rose – 2344 (Longbenton)

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225 Medical Regiment Wins Prince of Wales Award

The third of four prestigious awards was presented by Lord-Lieutenant for Stirling and Falkirk –  Mr Alan Simpson OBE yesterday. The Prince of Wales’s Expeditionary Awards highlight the very best in leadership, challenge, courage and planning. The annual awards are selected from over one hundred Cadet and Reservist expeditions supported by The Ulysses Trust, whose patron is HRH the

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Students Win Prestigious Award

The first of four prestigious awards was presented by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, Mr David Laing at a special dinner in Northampton last week. The Prince of Wales’s Expeditionary Awards highlight the very best in leadership, challenge, courage and planning. The annual awards are selected from over one hundred Cadet and Reservist expeditions supported by

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Summer 2019 Newsletter

The latest edition of our newsletter is out now. This edition contains the following articles: + HRH The Prince of Wales extends his patronage+ Expedition report: Tiger Matravers 2019. 5 Cadets from Matravers CCF go snowshoeing in France+ Expedition report: Northern Langtang Serpent. HQ 2 Medical Brigade go trekking in Nepal+ Expedition report: Easter Challenge 2019. Southampton

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New Fundraising Pages

Until recently online donations to The Ulysses Trust could be made via BT MyDonate but this service was withdrawn at the end of June. Another platform had to be found and after considerable research we decided to move to Virgin Money Giving It offers donors the opportunity to cover its fees by making a small,

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