Trainee sailors step up to 'Double Iron Man' challenge
8 Jan 10
Trainee sailors from HMS Raleigh exceeded the targets set for a 24-hour 'Double Iron Man Triathlon' before Christmas, to raise money for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC).
Medical Assistant Kate Nesbitt MC (left) and Trainee Logistician Hayley Ferguson clock up the miles on their exercise bikes
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
The recruits of Stonehouse Wing, a small division within HMS Raleigh dedicated to helping injured recruits regain their fitness and return to full training, were scheduled to swim 4.8 miles (7.7km), cycle 224 miles (360.4km) on an exercise bike and run or walk 52.4 miles (84.3km) on a treadmill to achieve the 'Double Iron Man'.
The challenge was split into three eight-hour blocks with at least one participant in the pool, on the bike or on the treadmill at any one time.
During the 24 hours the team managed to exceed expectation and chalked up a massive 10.2 miles (16.4km) for the swim phase, 274.3 miles (441.4km) on the exercise bike and 88.5 miles (142.4km) on the treadmill.
A total of nine Stonehouse recruits, whose injuries ranged from muscular problems and broken bones to minor sprains, took part in the challenge.
The team were supported by their instructional staff and a number of guest participants including the Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Sir Alan Massey, and Military Cross recipient Medical Assistant Kate Nesbitt.
The Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Sir Alan Massey (right), celebrates the end of the challenge
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
MA Nesbitt, from Plymouth, was awarded the Military Cross for outstanding bravery in saving a soldier's life on the battlefield in Afghanistan - becoming the first Royal Navy servicewoman and only the second woman in history to receive the award.
She completed her basic training at HMS Raleigh in February 2006.
Lieutenant Andy Anderson, the Officer-in-Charge of Stonehouse Wing, said:
"The Stonehouse recruits are a particularly focused team. Their determination to succeed and return to mainstream training is admirable.
"Taking part in this challenge gave the recruits a fantastic sense of achievement and a massive boost to their morale.
"The sponsorship money and the support we received from the establishment to make this event happen were amazing.
"With money still coming in we hope to have raised in excess of £600 for the RNRMC."
HMS Raleigh recruits and staff, Royal Marines of 42 Commando, and charity representatives with three huge cheques for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
Anyone wishing to show their support for Stonehouse Wing can still do so online by logging onto their Virgin Money Giving site. See Related Links >>>
The RNRMC was created in 2007 to provide a focus for naval charity. It exists to give a better quality of life for serving and former Naval Service personnel and so is able to look after the men and women of the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines and the Reserve Forces as well as former Wrens - of all ranks. It also embraces families, partners and dependants.
A number of departments within HMS Raleigh have been raising money for the RNRMC throughout the year and cheques totalling £13,389 were presented to representatives of the charity at the end of the triathlon.