Culdrose climbers pitch high for charity

A team of Navy fund raisers from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose pitched their target pretty high when they organised a sponsored climb at "Granite Planet" in Penryn,Cornwall. 

The event, organised by Squadron Charities Officer, Petty Officer Aircrewman Shona Smith, set out to climb the equivalent of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain inAfricaand the highest free-standing mountain in the world, on the indoor climbing walls of the leisure centre. Along with nine other members of 824Naval Air Squadron the group calculated how they would tackle the 5,895 metres (19,341 ft) challenge. 

In true naval fashion and adding a spirit of competition to the affair they split their resources between two distinct teams. Their efforts would require them to make 114ascents per person on the 6.5m high wall. The Golden Oldies, boosting with the help of Commanding Officer 824NAS, Commander Steve Thomas managed their total climb in a good time of4hours exactly. The Young Ones, with the younger other five members marginally beat their time, clocking up 3 hour and45 minutes. 

Overall they managed to raise £954to support Heidi’s Quest, a Charity that supports local poorly children who have terminal or life limiting conditions. 

Special mention has to go to two of the group. Leading Air Engineer Technician Ryan Cox who was commended as the most energetic and successful climber of the day, whilst Sub Lieutenant  Max White was thanked  for his  clear guidance throughout the event, and ensuring the climbing was  injury free and successful. 

"I'm very proud of the all people from the squadron that even during such a busy and testing time, we can support such a worthy cause that will help the community", said Commander Steve Thomas. "We are seeing a lot of trainees coming through our doors and it's great that people have still found time to support this charity". 

Thanks were also shown to Tony Windo, the owner of Granite Planet in Penryn for setting up the walls and allowing the use of his facilities for the naval personnel.