Navy News
Direct from the front-line, the official newspaper of the Royal Navy, Navy News, brings you the latest news, features and award winning photos every month.
Clyde Naval Base cyclists raise cash for Breast Cancer charity
23 October 2017
Personnel at HM Naval Base Clyde recently participated in a Scotland-wide event aimed at raising funds for Breast Cancer Care.
The Tour de Scotland was a two-day virtual bicycle race across Scotland with different organisations competing to be top of the leader board on 11-12 October.
Submariners, Sailors, Marines and Civilians took it in turns to cover the 550 km course, each cycling for stints of 15 minutes.
With a pair of Watt bikes set up in the Naval Base’s Supermess, the competitors were soon breaking a sweat, cycling in relays from 0800-1700 on both days.
The response from everyone at Clyde was great and we have managed to raise £1850 so far, with donations still to come in for Breast Cancer Care
Leading Physical Trainer (LPT) Will Callen, who organised the event along with colleague Petty Officer Physical Training (POPT) Barrie Chambers, said: “I’m happy to say the Royal Navy team were top of the leader board throughout with the exception of a tense moment in the early hours of October 12 when Barclays Aurora seemed to just move ahead before we re-established the lead.
“The event was a huge amount of fun and really brought out the competitive spirit.
“The response from everyone at Clyde was great too and we have managed to raise £1850 so far, with donations still to come in for Breast Cancer Care.”
Other organisations taking part included: Network Rail, Direct Line Group, NHS Glasgow and NHS Edinburgh, Barclays Aurora and Barclays Tay House.
During the challenge, the Faslane team averaged between 8.5 – 9.5km every 15 minutes, with one cyclist – Major Hands from 43 Commando – taking the prize for fastest male throughout the entire competition, clocking up an amazing 11.33km.
“In many ways cycling for 15 minute bursts is more challenging than cycling for longer periods of time,” said LPT Callen.
“Because you’re trying to achieve distance, rather than time, you tend to really push yourself to the limit.
“Some of the navy competitors have really given it their all and been exhausted at the end. It has been worth it though for such a brilliant cause.”
Breast Cancer Care is the only UK-wide specialist charity helping women and men cope with the daily realities of the disease. The charity provides help to some of the 4,500 people diagnosed with breast cancer in Scotland this year.
To support HMNB Clyde’s charity drive just text HMNB64 £5 to 70070 to their Just Giving Page. Find out more about Breast Cancer Care at: www.breastcancercare.org.uk.