Diamond leaps the rock

In the early morning whilst alongside in Gibraltar, HMS Diamond’s Warrant Officers and Senior Rates Mess gathered to embark on their latest charity venture in support of The Hosanna House Children’s Pilgrimage Trust (HCPT).

With the Ship’s short-notice activation on Op Litten there was a perfect opportunity to push the boundaries and replace the normal Gibraltar Rock Race with a ‘Leapathon’. 

With the LPT organising leapfrog circuits in preparation for the big day and as the Leapfroggers perfected their leapfrog technique the scale of the challenge became apparent as the rock loomed above them at 14,000 ft.

The rock is a stiff challenge for the fittest of runners but to a rousing welcome 31 Leapfroggers crossed over the gangway and were set off on their challenge by the Commanding Officer, Commander Marcus Hember Royal Navy and cheered on by Commander British Force (Gibraltar) Commodore Michael Walliker OBE Royal Navy.

As the leapers snaked there way up the rock face the traffic stopped, the Macaque apes watched and a number of the Ship’s Company cheered on the WOs and SRs over each successive leap.

The summit was ascended in an admirable 1 hour and 15 minutes setting a benchmark for future ships to beat.

In all, the Mess has raised over £2,000 with further donations still being received.