Sailors brave storms to raise money for charity

Four intrepid sailors from HMS Richmond cycled 130 miles from Her Majesty's Naval Base Portsmouth to Chatham to raise cash for charity.

Chief Petty Officer Gary Crouchman, Chief Petty Officer Andrew Gillson, Leading Physical Trainer Karl Kennett and Sub Lieutenant Tristan Trehan wanted to raise awareness - and some much-needed funds - for Pembroke House and the Royal Star and Garter Homes.

Pembroke House is a care and nursing home in Kent owned and managed by the Royal Navy Benevolent Trust, and the Royal Star and Garter Homes is a charity that provides nursing and therapeutic care to the ex-service community.

They set off from Portsmouth on a stormy day, cycling through gale force winds all the way up to the Medway where they met HMS Richmond during its recent visit to Chatham.

CPO Crouchman said, "This was a great opportunity to raise some funds for two very worthwhile charities and a great way to return to my home town with a Royal Navy ship visit into Chatham."

The team raised £1,200 which will be equally split between the two charities.

HMS Richmond, a Portsmouth-based Type 23 frigate, was in Chatham recently to help commemorate the 350th anniversary of the Battle of Medway.