Over 5000 miles were cycled, rowed and run as No 3 Mobile Catering Squadron from RAF Wittering took on an epic challenge for the Williams Syndrome Foundation.
Image By: SAC Kimberly Waterson
A team of 34 Chefs and Stewards from the famous catering squadron took to their bicycles, rowing machines and pulled on their running shoes as they covered the virtual distance from the Station Warrant Officer’s Office at RAF Wittering to their colleague, SAC Jonathan Crow, in Cyprus – and back again.
Image By: SAC Kimberly Waterson
Williams Syndrome is a rare disorder that occurs randomly and affects around one in 18,000 people in the UK. It causes distinctive facial characteristics and a wide range of learning and social difficulties. The Williams Syndrome Foundation supports people with Williams Syndrome those who love, care for and educate them.
Image By: Ed Palmer
Cpl Dan Gordon’s son Henry (3) was born with Williams Syndrome and the foundation has been a massive support to the family. Dan said: “They offer advice to parents and people with Williams Syndrome and there’s a panel of medical experts that you can turn to. Affected families can meet up and share their experiences. It’s been brilliant, without them I don’t know what we would have done.”
The event has had a genuine community feel, with team members setting up their cycling and rowing machines outside the village shop in Wittering and organising a bake sale.
Senior Aircraftman Rob Dowie was the project lead for the SWO to Crow challenge. He said: “We had searing heat and we’ve also had horrific wind and sideways rain, but people battled through. Everyone’s been fantastic, it’s been a massive team effort, and everyone’s gone the extra mile, getting the word out there about what we’re doing, and keeping up the social distancing while we’ve been on the challenge.”
Image By: Supplied Image
Initially formed in 1975 as the RAF Mobile Catering Support Unit, No 3 Mobile Catering has been supporting operations and exercises for over forty years. The Squadron regularly supports fast jet deployments and can offer immediate support to aircraft crash situations.
Yesterday marked the end of the event as four cyclists arrived outside the Station Warrant Officer’s office, after 5368 combined miles without leaving the country. The team has raised £1180 and donations can still be made through the Just Giving page:
RAF Wittering Station Commander, Group Captain Jo Lincoln, and Station Warrant Officer, Warrant Officer Hywel Greening, met the team of four cyclists who completed the challenge at the Station’s main gate yesterday.
Image By: Ed Palmer
Group Captain Lincoln said: “What an amazing effort from No 3 Mobile Catering Squadron, and for such a brilliant cause too. This is an incredible example of our people looking after each other and keeping up that great tradition of fundraising at RAF Wittering. Any Station Commander would be proud of this brilliant teamwork.”
