Celebrities wish Sea Cadets a Happy 160th Birthday!

Birthday well wishes have been filmed by supporters ranging from HM The Queen’s grandson HRH Peter Philips to The Great British Bake Off presenter Mel Giedroyc.

Lorraine Kelly, British Olympic rower Sir Matthew Pinsent CBE and Alan Titchmarsh have all sent a happy birthday messages to 14,000 Sea Cadets across the UK as well.

Captain Sea Cadets, Captain Phil Russell RN, says: “It’s great to see that the impact we make on young lives doesn’t go unnoticed with so many celebrities on board. Turning young people’s lives around is what we do. Over the past 160 years the charity’s inspired millions of young people to find their course in life by building confidence and skill gained on the water – it lasts a lifetime.”

Up and down the country Sea Cadet units are hosting birthday parties. Since 1856 the charity has helped thousands of young people find friendships, confidence and a new sense of direction. And throughout this year the charity is fundraising to replace its two yachts with larger more modern vessels increasing capacity by 25% so that it can help more youngsters experience the confidence and thrill sailing at sea can build. Over the past 16 years the two yachts have given 4,600 young people a transformational voyage at sea, offering a unique learning experience as they work together as a team, make new friends and find out what they’re capable of.

Sea Cadets gives young people a new perspective. Working across the UK with 14,000 young people we help them see the world with confidence, gained through the challenge of nautical adventure based on the customs of the Royal Navy. Cadets learn new skills to carry them in their careers. Their confidence to face life builds. And they see what they can do. www.sea-cadets.org

The full list of celebrity birthday messages:

Lorraine Kelly: Happy birthday to Sea Cadets, here’s to the next 160 years! #SeaCadets160

Paul O’Grady: Happy Birthday from a former Royal Marines Cadet at Birkenhead Unit. A great charity and really proud to have been part of it #SeaCadets160

Sarah Parish: Sending my best to all the Sea Cadets, Happy Birthday! #SeaCadets160

Dame Esther Rantzen DBE: A wonderful charity that supports young people to make friends and build confidence through nautical adventure. Happy birthday #SeaCadets160

Alexander Armstrong: Happy birthday Sea Cadets! A fantastic charity that offers vital life skills for young people #SeaCadets160

Sir Matthew Pinsent CBE: Happy Birthday to the future generation of Olympic rowers! #SeaCadets160

Alan Titchmarsh: Happy birthday! Have a very special day #SeaCadets160

Meanwhile, Mel Geidroyc and HRH Peter Philips filmed a happy birthday message.