Mum and daughter gain Army graduations in quick succession

After watching her mum graduate from her Army Reserve basic training, Chloe De Stadler graduated from Harrogate's Army Foundation College

It has been a special day of celebration for more than 700 junior soldiers who have graduated from Harrogate's Army Foundation College. Among the misty-eyed parents was Sherene De Stadler, who watched daughter Chloe in the parade weeks after completing her own basic training with the Army Reserve.

"Any mother is going to be proud of their daughter or son when they graduate," the 39-year-old said.

"But knowing personally what she has been through in the last six months, that pride tops anything I've ever known before."

She decided to start training after Chloe joined the Army to create a "strong military presence in the household" and better understand her daughter's experiences.

"It's a completely different language to normal civvy world," she said.

The understanding went both ways, according to 17-year-old Chloe, originally from Surrey.

Just weeks ago, it was her in the stands watching her mother's passing out parade.

"Knowing that my mum was stood on that parade and had done it all, there's no words to explain it," she said.

Chloe and Sherene were emotional as they reunited following the parade

Chloe said she now hoped to join the Army Air Corps and eventually gain a pilot's licence.

"Her great-grandmother was a pilot," Sherene added.

The pair enjoyed a celebration lunch alongside high-ranking guests at the college following the graduation.

"To hear what they've all been through, it just shows everybody's in the same boat at one point in their journey and there is only room to grow," Sherene said.

She hoped to pursue a career training new recruits, building on her previous work in physical training.

Wesley Jefferson-Hallett (centre) led the parade after being named the best junior soldier of the intake

Another graduate invited to the VIP lunch was Wesley Jefferson-Hallett, 16, who led the parade after being named junior Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM).

"It was nerve-racking but I got it done and I didn't ruin it, so I'm pretty happy," he said.

Wesley decided not to tell his family about his key role until the ceremony.

"I could hear my dad shouting at me from the side," he said.

"The amount of people I marched off the square - it's amazing."

Wesley, from York, had been working on a building site when he decided to follow his older brother into the Army.

He said he was thrilled to meet former England football manager Sir Gareth Southgate, who lives locally and was an invited guest.

Wesley Jefferson-Hallett said he had "never been in front of that amount of people in my life"

Wesley said he now hoped to complete his phase two training ahead of his aim to join the parachute regiment.

Ben Townley, the college's RSM, said: "It's a day to celebrate what's been a tough journey for some of them, very challenging.

"I know some of them had a few wobbles along the way, but seeing the smiles on their faces is brilliant."

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