24-hour fitness challenge raises charity cash

Personnel from HM Naval Base Clyde have undertaken a gruelling fitness challenge to raise money for two worthwhile causes.

Beginning on Tuesday, November 21, base staff participated in a workout conducted on the hour, every hour, for 24 hours!

The event, which was held in HM Naval Base Clyde’s Sportsdrome facility, was in aid of both the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) and the Helensburgh branch of Enable Scotland.  Over £700 was raised through the fantastic efforts from all who took part, in particular Brendon Hislop and Steve Irvine who raised the majority of the money.

Petty Officer Physical Trainer (POPT) Lee Foxhall, who helped organise the 24-hour workout, said:  “Around 20 people took part in the challenge, each of them paying £5 towards their chosen charity.

“A lot of planning and organisation has gone into the event, but we felt strongly that we wanted to do something to support these two great charities.  The event has also given us the opportunity to raise awareness of the Crossfit Deterrent at HMS Neptune.”

HMS Neptune recently started their own Crossfit Affiliate – known as Crossfit Deterrent – to help personnel improve their functional fitness.  During the challenge, there was a series of different workouts supplied by sponsors such as Toyota, Contact Coffee and various other affiliates from across the Royal Navy.

The participants maintained the physically punishing pace throughout with the final workout – dubbed “Murph” – consisting of a one-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 press-ups, 300 squats and a final one-mile run!

POPT Foxhall continued: “I would like to thank Karen Gallagher and Royal Marine Warrant Officer 2 Rab Murray for all their support in organising and helping with the challenge.  It was exhausting work but everyone put in a one-hundred percent effort.”

Enable Scotland is a Scottish charity, working to make life better for people who have a learning disability and their families.