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An 848 Squadron charity event run by PO Brookes to raise money for the Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) took place on the 3rd November 2011. Nine cyclists from 848 Squadron, CHF, HMS Heron and RAF St Athan left 848 Squadron in the early hours.
Bikes were loaded in to the support vehicles to take the two hour drive to CHSW Head Office, Little Bridge House, Barnstaple. The team were greeted by the staff on arrival and once everyone was booted and suited, a quick photo outside the hospice was taken, and then we were off. The chosen route was to be challenging in every way, both in distance, elevation and terrain. The first obstacle to overcome was the climb up on to Exmoor national park. This was a long climb with undulating terrain that took up the whole morning. A short pit stop was taken to replenish at Simonsbath, where bags of bananas and donuts awaited our arrival. With sugar still around our mouths we moved from Exmoor through to the Brendon Hills and down into Watchet for lunch. Here the local delicacy of Fish and Chips was quickly devoured, sat on the harbour front soaking up the sun; this was enough to refuel the boys. Now it was the push from sea level up on to the Quantocks, the distance was starting to take its toll on the legs. Some of the cyclists were starting to really work hard to get up the last of the big hills, but we had to push on as we were concerned about the failing light towards the end of the day. Once over the Quantocks it was downhill to Burnham-on-Sea where the support team was waiting to refuel the boys for the last push, Jelly Babies were being belt feed in to find the energy for the last push to CHSW Charlton Farm Wraxall Bristol. The boys dug deep with some very tired legs; although the last 25 miles were flat they proved to be the hardest as all the energy had been depleted early on in the day. The light was fading and lights were now switched on. Finally, Wraxall hill, and at the top was our finish. We cycled in to the Children's Hospice at 1715 completing the 105 mile ride. We were greeted by the staff, with tea and cakes awaiting the boys. After a chat with the staff we loaded the bikes back in to the van and took the one hour drive back home to the Squadron. I would like to thank everyone involved in the 848 Squadron charity cycle. The ride achieved its aims by raising money, (Hopefully about £1000) and the profile of the 848 Squadron charity CHSW, whilst at the same time provided a challenging and arduous activity to test the resolve of all who took part.. 
The Team PO Brookes (I/C), CPO Shepherd, PO Camm, PO Seaman,CPO Whitehead(Nav), LAET Horton, PO Mackenzie, CPO MacMenemy, CPO Mills, LAET Winrow (support), NA Blount (support |
