99 Sqn raise money for NSPCC
23 April 2013
A charity run in aid of the NSPCC and
Royal Air Forces Association took Royal Air Force members from 99
squadron back to their roots in Yatesbury.
The Squadron, which operates C17 heavy-lift transport aircraft, is
based at RAF Brize Norton, but was first formed at Yatesbury in 1917 as a
bomber squad during World War One. The run, organised by Flight
Operations Manager, Sergeant Marc Cowling, started at Yatesbury and used
3 teams to cover the 39 mile journey back to RAF Brize Norton in
Oxfordshire. The first leg of 13.1 miles was the fastest, completed in 1 hour 33 minutes. Sergeant Daz Mitchell said;
“It was meant to be a nice gentle jog to start off with, but Sergeant Chris Clark set a pretty fast pace, and we all managed to keep up.”
The second and third legs were completed in equally respectable times of 1 hour and 45 minutes and 1 hour and 56 minutes. Sgt Chris Hazell said,
“I normally run with Witney and Brize Norton running clubs. It was great to run today with members of 99 Squadron and raise money for charity. It’s been a real challenge but I’ve enjoyed it.”
Sergeant Cowling who has been a member of the Royal Air Force for 17 years, said,
“There are a lot of keen runners on the squadron and there are a lot of proactive people who like doing things for charity. Once I realised where the squadron was formed and how far away it was, the idea just came into my head. The NSPCC is a charity that helps provide invaluable support to many vulnerable children. The work they do is truly amazing and really does change lives.”
In January 2012, Sergeant Cowling raised £1,000 for the NSPCC through a 24-hour snooker marathon and for this event he is hoping to double the amount of money raised with a target of £2,000. The current total is £1500, therefore, should you wish to donate, please visit www.justgiving.com/Marc-Cowling1.
RAF/MOD Crown Copyright 2013
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