FARNHAM Sea Cadets has launched a desperate appeal to raise £15,000 in order to repair its dilapidated headquarters Training Ship (TS) Swiftsure.

The Farnham, Fleet and Aldershot Sea Cadet Unit has been based in Lower Weybourne Lane since January 20, 1974, - providing around 70 children aged 10 to 18 at any given time the chance to gain self-esteem, self-confidence and learn to care about people and to show respect and understanding of others, but also to make friends for life.

However, TS Swiftsure is currently in dire need of a revamp. With an asbestos roof which leaks every time it rains and a number of broken toilets, this ‘second home’ for many children is at present, not a happy nor safe place to be.

Although overflowing buckets of rainwater may make TS Swiftsure seem like a real life ship, it has not been all fun and games.

Leaks spreading to the store room and dormitories has meant soggy uniforms and beds for the cadets on their weekend courses.

The outside of the building also reflects its interior, with gaping pot holes covering the grounds.

Natalie Fairweather, a trustee of the unit, added: “The parade ground is looking very tired now and we feel ashamed when we hold the band and drill competitions for the district each year.”

Having collected the most Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal donations in the Surrey District Sea Cadets for the past three years, the institution’s cadets also came first, second and third in the individual section for collecting the most money within the district.

As recognition for all their hard work, the staff and management committee would love to provide the children with a more enjoyable and safer environment to spend their time in.

“We are a charity and we do our best to collect money to do various things that need to be repaired or replaced, but we can’t do it all,” continued Natalie.

“The juniors, cadets, staff and unit management team would love it if some of the community businesses could help us to sort out the building and grounds to make it something we can be proud of again. If anyone can help, no matter how small, we would appreciate it.”

Individuals can donate online at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/natalie-fairweather or for more information email the Officer-in-Charge, Daniel Prior at [email protected] .