Volunteers from a security company have completed the 760-mile “Tour de Corps” cycle across the UK in one week. The five led by National Account Sales Manager, Rob Hill, took to the pedals in aid of the Commando Spirit Appeal, which aims to raise £1m for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund (RMCTF) by 2014. Pictured: (left to right) Corps Security: Scott Hudson, Fal Bassadien, Rob Hill and Paul Redican preparing for their 760-mile cycle.
They set off to cycle between the security firm’s 12 mainland branches throughout the UK, seeking to raise £5,000 for the charity which helps provide support to Royal Marines and their families in need. The journey began in Stevenage then through London, Crawley, Bracknell, Bristol, Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, Wakefield, Newcastle and Edinburgh, finishing in Glasgow after seven days.
Rob Hill said: “Our Tour De Corps cycle was fun, exhilarating, gruelling and unforgettable in equal measure, with some real highs and lows along the way. The team however worked amazingly well together and we kept each other going to make sure we completed the challenge within the seven day time-scale. We averaged around 110 miles per day and the support throughout the route from Corps Security staff and the general public was astounding. We also had avid followers of our trip on twitter and Facebook and via our daily blogs keeping on track with our updates and watching the live GPS system which showed our real-time progress along the route.
“Thanks to the generosity of our supporters we raised a fantastic amount for the Commando Spirit Appeal which is such a worthwhile cause. I am delighted we could help, it made all the saddle sores worthwhile.”
Sally-Anne Hunter, Founder and Director of the Commando Spirit Appeal, added: “Commando Spirit is about showing you have the courage, grit and determination to complete something remarkable and the team from Corps Security – one of Commando Spirit’s most ardent corporate supporters – have demonstrated this fantastically well. Rob and his team battled gruelling hill climbs, temperamental weather conditions and an arduous fitness test taking each and every one of them to the limit. I would like to extend my thanks to Corps Security for their cycling efforts and also to the team’s supporters for their overwhelming generosity. To date Corps Security staff have taken part in all of the Commando Spirit Series of challenges and, like Rob and his team, have undertaken their own challenges and we look forward to welcoming more Corps Security staff in this years flagship challenge “Survive The Yomp.”
In 2013 civilians are being urged to take part in “Survive The Yomp” – a 30 mile hike starting at Spean Bridge in the Scottish Highlands, emulating the final test faced by every Royal Marine in order to gain their coveted green beret. For more information on the Commando Spirit Appeal or Survive The Yomp, visit www.commandospirit.com
The RMCTF is working to support those wounded and injured, as well as those still serving, by funding decompression activities, homecoming events and memorials. It also provides through-life support to those who have left the Corps or dependents who have lost loved ones in service. Importantly, a grant is also made to the next of kin of all Royal Marines who die in service within 48 hours. To make a donation visit – http://www.justgiving.com/CommandoSpirit
