Meet Team Ship Happens, a husband-and-wife duo swapping their usual roles for a new kind of mission: racing across the UK in support of Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC).
With a team name that channels both maritime spirit and humour, Ship Happens are diving head-first into the four-day race, which promises physical and mental challenges, navigation across unknown checkpoints and, most importantly, an opportunity to give back.
Kim, a Royal Navy Warrant Officer on the cusp of commissioning through Dartmouth, and Neil, a retired Army Intelligence Corps veteran now serving as a Civil Servant, are proud to be part of RNRMC’s Race Across the UK charity challenge.
“As a family, we’ve always loved the thrill and adventure of the show Race Across the World,” says Kim. “So, to be given the chance to take on our very own version across the UK and raise money for such a worthy charity at the same was a no-brainer.”
Kim brings with her a legacy of advocacy and leadership, having recently stepped down as co-chair of the Naval Servicewomen’s Network (NSN).
“We’ve seen firsthand how impactful RNRMC is. From leadership symposiums to major events like the NSN’s 10-year anniversary and celebrating 30 years of Wrens at Sea in October 2023 – their support has been unwavering,” she said.
“But the overwhelming thing friends of mine appreciate RNRMC for the most is their dedicated funding support to kids Kings Camps. Families tell us that without these camps, school holidays would be impossible navigate!”
Neil, ever the steady hand, brings a cool head, having recently completed the London to Brighton ultramarathon.
“This should be a doddle for him,” laughs Kim, “but for me – let’s just say I asked the RATUK team if this challenge is for ‘fitties or fatties’ because I’m definitely not an ultra-marathon type of Gal! They assured me it’s a challenge for anyone. So here I am – just a someone, trying to do something outside of my comfort zone, in the hope of raising some deserved money for everyone to benefit from.”
The couple, often separated due to their respective deployable and operational roles, are relishing the opportunity to take on this challenge together.
Already active in their fundraising efforts, Ship Happens have set up a JustGiving page, taken to social media, and even hijacked a recent Help for Heroes charity auction – managing to have a special bottle of 22SAS gin auctioned off in aid of their campaign.
Think you’ve got what it takes? Sign up your team for Race Across the UK today: https://lupine.co.uk/race/2025-rnrmc-race-across-the-uk.html
