15 mountains conquered by 15 Sqn!

This year’s fundraising event by 15 Sqn RAF Regiment for the Centurion Fund and Joy charities was met by many hurdles due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It was initially planned to be a trek up through the Himalayas to Everest Base Camp. The initial team L/Cpl Lee Nocton, Darren Chadwick (a RAF Regt Veteran), SAC Harry Dell and Cpl Ben Rutland were planning and preparing for this right up until the very last safe moment when it was unfortunately turned off by the Embassy in Nepal. The team then got together and discussed what would be challenging but within the realms of possibility due to COVID-19, the idea of 15 mountains in 10 days was then decided and a new plan was created. The 15 mountains were; Pen y Fan, Snowdon / Garned Ugain, Pillar, Skiddaw / Blencathra, Pen y Ghent / Whernside, Ingleborough, Ben Nevis, Ben Ghlas / Ben Lawers, Grate Gable / Scarfell Pike and Helvellyn.

Just days before the event was due to start Ben Rutland was short noticed deployed so rapidly a replacement was sort out but due to 15 Sqn’s High Tempo of commitments it was hard to find someone that was capable and willing to commit to the challenge ahead. SAC Joshua Flood was found to replace him, and the team was set to start at 2pm on a cold and wet Monday 4th October on the Pen y Fan.

In total over the period of 4th – 13th October (10 Days) the team went through hell and back climbing 15 Mountains in 10 days, hitting goals along the way achieving the National 3 peaks, Yorkshire 3 peaks and some of the toughest Hikes within the UK. A total elevation of 14,369m was achieved in the 10 days and walking a total of 160Km over challenging ground, horrendous weather and no support but themselves they completed it at 12.34pm on 13th October at the bottom of Helvellyn.

A total of £1000 was raised for charity and split 50/50 between the Centurion Fund and JOY a Cambridge children’s charity. Next year the Team will be putting on there walking boots to finally head to Nepal and Everest Base Camp in aid of the Centurion Fund.