South Shields air cadet has Hurricane dream come true after taking on 80km challenge for RAF Museum

A South Shields air cadet was on cloud nine after having his dream come true to see the Hurricane aircraft up close.
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Xawery Wisniewski was one of the first visitors through the doors when the national RAF Museum in London reopened after lockdown on Monday, July 6.

The 14-year-old who attends 324 ATC South Shields Squadron was recently selected to be South Tyneside Mayor's Cadet for 2020-2021, taking on his first duty serving the mayor on Armed Forces Day in June.

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Xawery completed the Hurricane 80 challenge – launched to mark 80 years since Battle of Britain (on July 10) and to raise much-needed funds for RAF Museum during the current pandemic.

Xawery Wisniewski had a dream come true when he saw the Hurricane up close at the RAF Museum in London.Xawery Wisniewski had a dream come true when he saw the Hurricane up close at the RAF Museum in London.
Xawery Wisniewski had a dream come true when he saw the Hurricane up close at the RAF Museum in London.

While the idea is to walk, run, swim or cycle 80km in 80 days, Xawery, who goes to St Wilfrid's RC College, completed his 80km cycle in just three days, raising £130 for the museum.

Last week, the family travelled to the museum to hand over his donation, but Xawery was devastated to find out the hangar where the Hurricane aircraft was displayed was not open to the public yet.

As a gesture of the museum’s gratitude for his donation, head of development Edward Sharman escorted the family to the hangar so Xawery could see it up close.

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He was also allowed to explore the Spitfire and sit in the cockpit.

Xawery got to sit in the cockpit of the Spitfire aircraft.Xawery got to sit in the cockpit of the Spitfire aircraft.
Xawery got to sit in the cockpit of the Spitfire aircraft.

“Xawery's favourite aircraft been always Hurricane and the Battle of Britain is his favourite part of of British history, so when he found out about the challenge he wanted to do it straight away,” said his mum, Joanna Wisniewska.

“He wants to become a pilot and join Royal Air Force after his A-levels and his dream was to explore the Hurricane one day and find out more about it.

“He was over the moon.”

A spokesperson for the RAF Museum commented: “It was wonderful to welcome Xawery and his family on the first day we opened after lockdown and we really appreciated his donation. We hope to continue to inspire young minds with the stories of the Royal Air Force and look forward to welcoming more visitors over the summer.”

Xawery Wisniewski and sister Zara, 9, with the Hurricane at the RAF Museum in London.Xawery Wisniewski and sister Zara, 9, with the Hurricane at the RAF Museum in London.
Xawery Wisniewski and sister Zara, 9, with the Hurricane at the RAF Museum in London.
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He cycled 80km in three days to raise funds for the museum.He cycled 80km in three days to raise funds for the museum.
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