THE daughter of an RAF Sergeant who died earlier this year has taken part in a cycling challenge to raise money for the charity which has supported her family over the last few months.
Twelve-year-old Lexie Pallett lost her dad, Oliver Pallett, a Sergeant at RAF Brize Norton, in February.
Lexie and best friend, Freddie Summers, also 12, cycled 101 miles and have already raised over £6,000 for Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a charity which has been supporting Lexie and her nine-year-old sister Cerie.
Carterton duo Lexie and Freddie originally set themselves a target of £750, with that figure well and truly surpassed.
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On Saturday, they set off from LXX Squadron at Brize Norton, the last post of Mr Pallett, and cycled 101 miles, before finishing at 101 Squadron, also at Brize Norton, on Sunday.
Freddie’s dad Paul Summers joined them and mapped out the route that they took.
Lexie said: “I really wanted to do something to help Scotty’s Little Soldiers and something to remember my dad, and as soon as I mentioned it to Freddie, he wanted to join me.
“We chose to cycle 101 miles because the 101 Squadron was my dad’s favourite Squadron and I wanted to do something that raised money in his name.
“My dad loved aeroplanes, he was an aeroplane geek, but was also really funny and loved joking around with me.
“I know he’d be proud of what Freddie and I are doing for Scotty’s.
“We want to say a big thank you for all of the generous donations so far, it means a lot to me and Freddie to have everyone’s support.”
Scotty’s Little Soldiers, which was founded in 2010 by war widow Nikki Scott, supports hundreds of children up and down the country.
Lexie’s mum, Sharon, said: “Scotty’s has really helped with the emotional support, and for the girls to know that they are there when you need them has been invaluable.
“They’ve both received welcome packs through the post, as well as birthday gifts, and I know they are both looking forward to the virtual festival which Scotty’s is hosting next month.”
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The charity was set up after Corporal Lee Scott was killed in Afghanistan, leaving behind two young children.
Scotty’s provides access to health and wellbeing care, and educational support, as well as providing respite breaks for children and posting birthday and Christmas presents.
The charity also remembers the anniversary of a parent’s death, and arranges events where bereaved children from all over the UK come together to form friendships with children in the same situation.
Mrs Scott, who set up the charity, said: “Lexie and her sister have been through so much recently and I can’t thank Lexie enough for what she’s doing to help raise money for Scotty’s.
“Freddie is a true friend for supporting Lexie in this challenge and in helping raise the money they have in such a short space of time.
“For Lexie to set herself a challenge like this so early on in her journey, and only being 12-years-old, shows true strength and pure courage.
“I know her dad would be looking down on her with pride.
“The last few months have been hard for all of our members, but it’s because of members and fundraisers like Lexie and Freddie that we can continue to deliver a high level of support to bereaved Forces children across the country when they need it the most.”
So far this year, Scotty’s has supported 428 children across the UK. It was one of seven charities chosen to benefit from donations marking the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, and the couple have since shown regular support for the charity.
To donate to Lexie and Freddie’s challenge, visit their JustGiving page here
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