Two Royal Navy Wildcat helicopter pilots from RNAS Yeovilton are trading the cockpit for an epic cross-country adventure this October as they take part in Race Across the UK in support of Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC).
Team Yeovilton Yompers, made up of serving Royal Navy pilots Shaun and Tom from Dorset, will join fellow fundraisers in tackling the unique challenge, which sees participants navigate across the country with limited resources, testing their endurance, teamwork and problem-solving skills while raising vital funds for the Naval community.
Having spent years working together in demanding operational environments, the pair say that when they saw Race Across the UK, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to take on something completely different while supporting a cause that means a lot to them.
“We’ve seen the incredible support that RNRMC and the charities it funds provide to colleagues and members of the wider Naval Service family during difficult periods, whether through deployment-related challenges, family pressures or times of crisis,” they explained.
“This challenge gives us an opportunity to give something back to a charity that supports our Naval community when it’s needed most.”
For experienced military aviators used to detailed planning and technology-driven problem-solving, the greatest challenge may not be the physical demands of the race but the uncertainty. Despite the challenges ahead, the team is eagerly anticipating the adventure, meeting new people along the way and seeing parts of the UK they might otherwise never visit.
As they prepare for the October challenge, Shaun and Tom are encouraging friends, family, colleagues and supporters across the Royal Navy community to get behind their fundraising efforts. They are currently raising awareness through their personal and professional networks and hope their participation will shine a spotlight on the work of RNRMC.
They said:
“We’ll very proudly be representing the families and loved ones who support serving Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel to enable them to do their jobs worldwide. Without their strength, love and understanding none of us could do what we do. Most importantly, we’ll be flying the flag for the RNRMC and the incredible work it does for serving personnel, veterans and their loved ones.”
And for anyone considering taking on a challenge of their own, the Yeovilton Yompers have a simple message: “Go for it! A great cause, a great adventure, and hopefully some great memories. Challenges like this don’t come along very often.”
Thinking of taking part yourself? Visit Race Across the UK or you can support Team “Yeovilton Yompers” here.
