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Triumph timepieces help raise cash for Blackpool children’s hospice
22 July 2024
Two former crew of veteran submarine HMS Triumph hit the streets of Lancashire’s No.1 tourist destination to help wind down their long association with a children’s charity.
With their ex-boat on patrol, Lieutenant Commander Oliver James and Chief Petty Officer ‘Wiggy’ Bennett promised to head to Blackpool on behalf of their former shipmates and hand over proceeds from one of the T-boat’s last big fundraising drives for one of its closest affiliates: Brian House Hospice.
It provides respite, palliative and end-of-life care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions in the Blackpool area – and thanks to Triumph’s affiliation with the town, has become the submariners’ favoured charity.
To mark all the Plymouth-based submarine has achieved since joining the Fleet in 1991, crew commissioned a unique watch as a keepsake, with ten per cent of proceeds going to the boat’s favoured charity.
Some 150 timepieces were designed by Lt Cdr James and CPO Bennett with watchmakers Elliott Brown… and offered to Triumph crew past and present.
All but seven have been snapped up (and they are still being offered for sale, with one being auctioned at an event in Blackpool Tower this autumn) – and £6,450 raised for Brian House in the process.
“When we started this 18 months ago we did not anticipate how much money it would generate, so it is great to see not only something that the ship’s company can enjoy and remember the boat by for years to come, but also something that contributes to an amazing cause,” said Lieutenant Commander James.
“It’s been a privilege and an honour to represent HMS Triumph – the submarine herself is at sea, delivering on operations – and present this cheque to Brian House.
“To see what the charity does and the support it provides for children and young adults with life-limiting conditions in Blackpool is truly inspirational and I am glad this donation will help them to continue to provide the care they need and absolutely deserve.”
While handing over the cash, the two deeps were persuaded to make one more effort for Brian House by donning colourful patchwork elephant suits then strolling the sights of Blackpool.
Prompted by David McKee’s popular children’s book Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, Blackpool has been home to 70 Elmers over the past couple of months, each one designed by a different artist, as well as schools and community groups.
Once the public art event is over, the elephants are being auctioned off – with Brian House the recipients of proceedings.
To remind Blackpudlians – and visitors – the two submariners walked around the town centre in their colourful suits.
Janet Atkins, Corporate Partnerships Manager at Brian House, said the hospice would miss the “wonderful relationship” it had enjoyed with the submarine – from the money which supported its work to the regular visits from crew to cheer up patients.
“It is sad to think of our affiliation is coming to a close, but we know we have made some truly incredible friendships,” she added.
“The last-of-class watch is stunning and we are thrilled that we are being given something unique to offer guests at our annual fundraising ball through our auction.
“It’s a truly once-in-a-lifetime piece for one of our supporters to own.
“We are so grateful to have been given this opportunity, which will leave a lasting impact from a wonderful group of people from Team Triumph.”