Fulham Air Cadets Twins to Help Build School and Nursery
Travelling to a remote Peruvian valley this summer
Matilda and Amelia Buttler are travelling almost 10,000km from home. Picture: H&F Council
February 9, 2026
Two Fulham teenagers from the local RAF Air Cadets Squadron are preparing for the journey of a lifetime as they raise money to help build a school and nursery for children living in a remote valley in Peru. Amelia and Matilda Buttler, 15-year-old twins from Lady Margaret School in Parsons Green, will travel almost 10,000km this summer to take part in the project, which aims to improve access to education for around 100 local children.
The sisters, who joined 344 (Fulham) Squadron of the RAF Air Cadets in 2023, were selected after a demanding London-wide assessment and are the youngest of the 31 cadets taking part in the expedition. The new school will serve families living an hour from Cusco, where many children currently face several hours of travel each day to reach the nearest classroom.
Amelia, who hopes to study aeronautical engineering, said the project offers a rare chance to make a meaningful difference. She explained that one of her friends is from Peru and has told her how valuable the new school will be for local families, making the experience feel even more worthwhile.
Since joining the Air Cadets, the twins have taken part in a wide range of community activities, from selling poppies at Queens Park Rangers’ stadium to supporting Remembrance Day events at the Fulham War Memorial and VE Day commemorations in Ravenscourt Park. They say the squadron has given them confidence, teamwork skills and a strong sense of community responsibility.
In the months ahead, the pair will undergo regular training to prepare for the challenging conditions they will face in Peru. Alongside helping to build the school and nursery, the group will have the opportunity to climb Rainbow Mountain and visit the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, reaching altitudes of up to 5,000 metres. Having never travelled beyond Europe, the sisters say their bond as twins will help them support each other during the toughest moments.
Matilda said that although they are fit and strong, they are aware of the physical and mental demands of the expedition. She added that having her twin sister with her will be a comfort when they are far from home. Both girls emphasised the importance of fundraising, as the project relies on donations to provide building materials and teaching supplies.
344 Squadron Air Cadets parade on Remembrance Day . Picture: H&F Council
The twins have already received support from local business European Heritage in Dawes Road and from the Jack Petchey Foundation. They are now working to raise further funds through sponsorship and activities such as bag-packing in local shops. All money raised will go directly towards materials, equipment and classroom furniture for the new school.
Amelia said the expedition feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. She added that being able to contribute to something so meaningful, while helping other children access education, makes the challenge even more exciting.
More information about their fundraising efforts can be found on their JustGiving page, where they are aiming to raise £5,000 to support the project.
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