Shipmates aim to race the length of the country for charity

Two Royal Navy shipmates are taking on a challenge next month to race from Dartmouth to Inverness to raise money for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.

Freemason Rich Harrison, from St Peter Lodge in Cleethorpes, will spend four days making the trip without using planes or cars. “We’ll have a modest budget and a reliance on public transport,” said Rich, on the right in our picture.

“Travelling via as yet unknown checkpoints, we’ll be completing challenges and all the while raising funds for this incredible charity which helps so many service personnel and their families.

“However, we need sponsorship. If you can sponsor us in any way, even just a little will make a huge difference. Every penny goes direct to the charity and helps to change lives for the better.

“We are particularly keen to raise sponsorship from our friends in the Freemason fraternity. We have already raised £1,000 with a further £500 already pledged from St Peter, taking us to £1,500. We are aiming to hit our fundraising target of £3,000.” This is the link to their sponsorship page. 

Rich and Louis met in the late 1990s while training together in the Northumbrian Universities Royal Naval Unit. The experience helped shape their confidence and leadership skills, while forging a lifelong friendship. While Louis went on to serve 20 years in the Royal Navy Submarine Service, Rich built a successful career in financial services, but always remained closely connected to the Naval community.

Rich said: “Race Across the UK gives us the opportunity to step outside our comfort zones, test ourselves physically and mentally, and raise money for a charity that gives so much back to the Naval community.

“The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity represents more than a charity; it is the enduring bond of the Naval family, supporting those who have served, those still serving, and the loved ones who stand beside them. Like Freemasonry, it reminds us that once you’re part of the organisation, you’re never alone.”