RAF Lossiemouth personnel have proved their mettle to complete a 24-hour intense physical training challenge for charity.
To raise funds for the RAF Benevolent Fund and CLAN Cancer Support, 17 hardy staff members pushed themselves to the limit during the day-long exercise assault.
The exhausting marathon event was designed to test the mental and physical strength of those who serve at the Moray airfield, which organisers said was essential to the base’s success as a Quick Reaction Alert station.
While 17 managed to train for 24 hours, other staff members embarked on continuous exercise for 12, nine or seven hours.
Over the course of the event, the station’s hardiest souls braved sessions of circuits, spinning, core classes, kettlebell, swimming, running, boxercise and some even took on a special RAF fitness test.
Sgt David Wood was instrumental in organising the challenge, and as well as taking part he was one of the physical training instructors that oversaw the event.
Yesterday, he praised the dedication of those who participated.
He said: “Our 24 hour challenge was one of several events we hold at RAF Lossiemouth that link in with the a healthy working lives initiative we are part of.
“Our station’s fitness motto is ‘get fit, stay fit’, as we need a sustainable, fit and healthy workforce to support our role as providers of Quick Reaction Alert and supporting global operations.
“As well as providing a great challenge for some of our very fit personnel, it gave others a chance to try out different sports and fitness classes.
“Overall, 17 people completed the entire 24 hours, but the people who were able to join us for just one or two classes helped keep all of our spirits up and encourage us to keep going.”
The station’s combined mess catering group provided food throughout the day to keep participants’ energy levels up, and two medics were on hand throughout.
Personnel who completed the challenge came from all areas of the airbase.
To date, they have raised around £250 for the charities.
Since becoming a Quick Reaction Alert site last year, Typhoon jets stationed in Moray have been launched into action at a moment’s notice to intercept threats to UK airspace.