MYSTERY CHARITY CHALLENGE FOR NAVAL AIR SQUADRON
SAILORS from 815 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) have set themselves an incredible challenge in order to raise money for a good cause.
On 23rd March, four Sailors from Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton, will be flown by helicopter to an unknown location in the UK and then abandoned with the task of returning to their base whilst collecting for money for Charity.
The Sailors will be randomly selected just minutes before the challenge begins, will be aiming to make their own way back to base at RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset, within 4 days of being deserted at a distant mystery location.
Without phones, money or any support equipment they will have to navigate their way home using only their bargaining skills or initiative. They hope to collect funds as they go by completing ‘Challenges’ set by members of the public or their Service colleagues. All money raised during the Squadron’s ‘Return to Base Challenge’ will support the Royal Navy & Royal Marines’ Charity (RNRMC), which provides support to serving personnel, veterans and their families.
The challengers will be carried to the mystery location by one 815 NAS Lynx Mk8 helicopters as it completes a routine navigational sortie around the UK. 815’s Agusta Westland Lynx HMA Mk8 helicopters are found operating from one of the Royal Navy’s Frigate and Destroyer ships around the world and can carry up to 4 personnel.
Lieutenant Commander (Lt Cdr) Pete Higgins, Senior Pilot 815 Naval Air Squadron said:
“After being dropped off by helicopter somewhere in the UK anything could happen, but the challenge will help the RNRMC, as the principal charity of the Royal Navy, to maintain their extraordinary support to Navy personnel and our families.”
The team’s progress can be followed at ‘815 Squadron Return to Base Challenge’ on Facebook, where members of the public can also set challenges or pledge their support. Supporters can also donate £5 by texting ‘NAVY ‘to 70500’.