Ten sailors from HMS Westminster joined more than 20,000 people taking part in the Great South Run to raise money for Leap Confronting Conflict.
Conditions were perfect, with cool sunny skies and a slight breeze. The 10-mile (16km) race through the streets of Portsmouth has been held in the city since 1991 and is regarded as one of Europe's premier races over that distance. During the race Runners pass naval landmarks such as HMS Victory and Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
First across the line for HMS Westminster with a time of 1:16:54 was Sub-Lieutenant Simon Priestley who said “I’m very pleased with my time and wasn’t expecting to do quite as well as I did considering I had been refereeing a tough Rugby fixture less than 24 hours before.”
Leap is a youth charity that provides conflict management training to vulnerable young people aged 11-25. They particularly work with young people who have been excluded from school, are involved with social services or who are serving custodial services.
Leap delivers the training directly to young people in partnership with schools, prisons, and community and voluntary organisations. They also train teachers, prison officers, youth workers and other professionals, helping them better support the young people they work with.
Thomas Lawson, Leap Chief Executive said: "We're hugely grateful to all of the sailors who ran on our behalf, and in such good times too. The money they raised will help us to continue supporting young people to turn their lives around and reach their full potential."
Also running was HMS Westminster Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander Chris L’Amie, who completed the race in 1:25:47.
He said: “It was quite a tough race, but everyone gave it their all. I’m really proud of everyone for all their efforts, both in fundraising and in the race itself. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who sponsored us and I’m very pleased we can do our bit for such a worthy cause.”
Fundraising for the charity was organised by both Writer Natasha Swanston and Petty Officer Robert Morris. Overall the crew have so far managed to raise £370 and are still going.
