HMS Prince of Wales crew abseil down Britain's largest crane to launch £100,000 fundraising efforts

Fundraisers serving on board HMS Prince of Wales launched a year of charity events by abseiling down the largest crane in Britain.

The team, currently with the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carrier in Rosyth, abseiled 300ft from the Goliath crane to mark the start of fundraising efforts in which they hope to raise £100,000.

The funds will be split between the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) and a range of other smaller charities.

Captain Stephen Moorhouse challenged the ship's company to raise the amount before they sail from Scotland next year. 

He said: "My ship's company are hugely enthusiastic and keen to show what they're capable of, even before the ship is accepted into service.

"As the navy's largest ship, I set them the challenge to raise £100,000 for charitable causes before we sail from Rosyth in 2019. It was therefore only fair that I set them on their way by volunteering to undertake the 90m abseil myself."

The abseil, completed by HMS Prince of Wales crew and industry partners, raised £10,000 which will be split between the RNRMC and Children's Hospice Across Scotland (CHAS).

Warrant Officer 1 Neil D'arcy, who took part in the fundraiser, said: "This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to abseil off the largest crane in the UK and to be able to raise money for RNRMC and CHAS was great."

Leading Logistician (Supply Chain) Kevin Joseph added: "I turned up to take photographs for the event and realised I couldn't pass up the chance to have a go. My fundraising starts now."

The crew will continue to hold various fundraisers and sponsored events. Follow @HMSPWLS on Twitter for regular updates.