Royal Navy divers from Devonport have completed a remarkable 180-mile trek along the south coast to raise funds for a colleague diagnosed with cancer, carrying full diving kit through some of the harshest winter conditions Britain has to offer.
The team from Bravo Diving Unit 1, based at HM Naval Base Devonport, undertook the challenge to support Petty Officer (Diver) James King, a fellow diver who was diagnosed with Stage 2 bowel cancer while on sea deployment.
James, who has served his country for nearly 20 years, was due to rejoin the unit this summer before receiving his diagnosis. While his treatment is progressing well, the impact on his life and family has been profound.
Determined to show their support, James’ colleagues organised an extraordinary fundraising effort. Working alongside Alpha Diving Squadron, part of the Royal Navy’s Diving and Threat Exploitation Group (DTXG), the divers set off from Horsea Island in Portsmouth, trekking all the way back to their home unit in Devonport.
30kg and brutal weather
Wearing full diving kit weighing around 30kg, the challenge tested the team far beyond their usual underwater operations. While the equipment is vital in the water, on land it became a relentless physical burden over the 180-mile route.
“The weather was the most challenging aspect of this task,”
said Lieutenant Matt Bowden, Officer in Charge of Bravo Diving Unit 1.
“With storm Bram hammering the coastline, most notably around Lulworth Cove, it was extremely difficult for the team. On one day in particular the combined ascent was in excess of 1300 metres, which is higher than Snowdonia.”
Despite the physical strain, relentless weather and punishing terrain, the divers pressed on driven by their determination to support a teammate in need.
£14.5k raised for a vital cause
The trek has so far raised more than £14,500, providing vital support for James, who is currently serving at Devonport with the Plymouth Support Group for personnel recovering from serious illness and injury.
