Thanks for taking the time to visit our 'Type 45 RnB Challenge 2011' JustGiving page.

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We did it!!! All 15 members of the team completed the R'n'B Challenge and what an amazing day! The weather was absolutely perfect for both the rowing and the cycling ... a gentle breeze helped to keep the temperature tolerable on the hottest day of the year so far!!!

The row across to the Isle of Wight was completed in exactly an hour .. far quicker than anticipated and everyone enjoyed the crossing immensely. The bacon butties waiting for us at Fishbourne were fabulous and we all had our fill before the cycle ride!

We had plenty of stops on the 65 mile cycle ride to ensure everyone was fed and watered regularly ... very wise on such a warm day. With no punctures and no cramp we made superb time and even had a little time to relax before the row back to the mainland .. we didn't want to get back before the welcoming crowds had gathered at Stokes Bay!!!

We all rushed to the post-event BBQ for some excellent well-earned food and drink. It was a fitting end to a brilliant day.

 

Thanks so much to everyone who has donated ... this site will remain open for some time so please continue to donate to this truly worthy cause. Thank you

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We are the Type 45 Destroyer Charity Team which is represented by members of the Royal Navy, BAE Systems and our Industry Partners, including MBDA.

 

Over the last two years we have completed a military assault course at HMS Collingwood in Fareham, Hampshire in aid of Help for Heroes and the Lakes Longest and Loftiest – ‘The L3 Challenge’ in aid of the Solent Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre – a truly worthy and local charity here in Portsmouth who provide much-needed support to those in the region who suffer this debilitating condition.

 

This year we are continuing our support for the Solent MS Therapy Centre and on Monday, 27 June a team of 15 and their dedicated support crew will undertake a gruelling three-stage challenge in a single day.

 

In the early hours the team will row from Stokes Bay, Gosport across the Solent to Fishbourne on the Isle of Wight in 4-man, coxed rowing boats. From there they then cycle the entire perimeter of the island … a total distance of over 65 miles. They will then row back from Fishbourne to Stokes Bay on the mainland in the evening!

 

Once again, this is going to be a long, hard day but we hope to raise a truly substantial amount of money for the Solent Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre.

 

We have included some photos of our training as it has progressed and as the big day draws closer – Please browse them to see our calamities on bikes and in the rowing boats and have a good laugh at our expense!!!

 

Our rowing training has taken place in Portsmouth Harbour under the superb guidance and watchful eye of the Gosport Sea Cadets illustrious leader Tony Salmon. Many thanks to him for everything he is providing us with for the challenge (including the boats and logistics support).

 

The cycling training has increased in difficulty and distance with some great routes of 25+ miles over the beautiful South Downs.  The routes are very representative of the terrain we can expect on the Isle of Wight and therefore great preparation for the 65-mile ride on the day of the challenge.

  

We visited the Solent MS Centre on Thursday, 12 May2011 to meet the staff and maintain our strong relationship with the centre. They very kindly showed us around the centre, describing the work they do, meeting some of the people they help and demonstrating the facilities they have. This all helped to reinforce the true objective of the challenge and clearly showed the benefit of every penny that we are able to raise on their behalf. A truly worthwhile visit.

 

One of the key facilities is the Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber, which provides a pressurised pure oxygen environment for up to eight people. This treatment is proven to speed up tissue repair, substantially reduces swelling and, for a period, relieves many of the MS-sufferers' symptoms. We hope the money raised will help to fund the continued provision of this essential service.

 

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So please dig deep and donate now.

 

Thank you so much to all of you who pledge to us - it is truly appreciated