Crew of the Royal Navy vessel with the most fearsome name – and most fearsome mission, conducting the nation’s nuclear deterrent patrols – showed they have a soft spot for good causes by handing over £2,500 to a South Lanarkshire Charity.
Clydesdale Parkinson’s Group, which meets on the final Thursday of each month in St Nicholas Church Hall, is the beneficiary of the fundraising activities of the 120 or so crew during HMS Vengeance’s most recent stint at sea.
The submarine is one of four based at Faslane on the Clyde Estuary which provides the UK with 24/7/365 security by conducting deterrent patrols – Operation Relentless – a mission performed by the Silent Service round-the-clock since 1969.
The mission of the group is to provide support, fitness classes, hydrotherapy, speech therapy, mental support and nursing care for those in the Lanark area suffering from the disease but who cannot afford some of these activities/care.
It was set up by James Forrest when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s back in 2018.
His grandson submariner Callum took up the mantle aboard Vengeance as the boat’s unofficial barber, charging shipmates £5 for the privilege – all going to the group.
That grew into the entire boat joining in the fund-raising effort through coffee mornings, rowing and gym competitions.
The impressive result was presented to the group by Callum and two shipmates, who also gave group members an insight into life on aboard and their fund-raising drive.
