Marine engineers from HMS Queen Elizabeth and Glasgow face tough physical challenges in the name of worthy causes this summer.
Provisional Leading Engineering Technicians Nicholas Deary and Paul Blissett are taking on the ‘Three Peaks Challenge’ – scaling the highest mountains in England, Scotland in Wales inside 24 hours – while Glasgow’s PO Colin Chalmers is taking on a 50km ‘ultra marathon’ around the southern Lake District.
The carrier duo have set their sights on a modest target of raising £500 to honour a Falklands sailor in Norfolk – and help Service veterans.
Petty Officer Richard Dunkerley was one of 22 men killed when frigate HMS Ardent was repeatedly bombed during the San Carlos landings in May 1982.
The Royal British Legion ordered a memorial bench in the senior rating’s memory to be installed in Stalham… but thanks to the cost of living crisis, the project has proved to be more expensive than originally planned.
Enter Nicholas and Paul and their 24-hour challenge to scale Snowdon (Wales), Scafell Pike (England) and Ben Nevis (Scotland) and raise the money needed to paint, install and maintained… with any extra funds donated to the RBL to continue its good work.
You can support their efforts via https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/davidpaul-dale?utm_term=53DEjp2kA.
Meanwhile, HMS Glasgow marine engineer Petty Officer Colin Chalmers has another month to prepare himself for a 50km ultra marathon around the Lake District.
The senior rate is a fitness fanatic, loves a personal challenge and is a passionate believer in well-being and looking after your mental health.
Those passions combine in the Lake District on September 17 and the Ambleside 50k which begins and ends in the namesake town, taking in Coniston Water and Great Langdale en route.
Colin has set himself the challenge of raising up to £10k on behalf of the new frigate’s favoured charity, Place2Be which was recommended by the frigate’s sponsor, the Princess of Wales.
The national charity provides support to children, families and school staff to tackle mental health issues; one in six children/young people now have a diagnosable mental health condition – that’s five pupils in a typical class of 30.
Team HMS Glasgow have already raised £2,000 for two Glaswegian schools which benefit from Place2Be’s support, Holy Cross and Gowan Bank primaries.
Colin is moved by the “vital work” Place2Be carries out to tackle the Lake District 50km run – which is 8km/5 miles longer than a traditional marathon – and add considerably to donations on behalf of his ship.
“Together we can make a real difference to children’s mental health and ensure than children do not have to face these problems alone,” he says.
You can show your support for the senior rating at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/colin-chalmers2
