Portsmouth sailors scale new heights in gruelling mountain climb epic

TEN sailors from a Portsmouth-based minehunter tackled the gruelling Three Peaks Challenge for charity.
AB  Sean Candler represents the Royal Navy at the summit of Snowdon 0trGmD8GqqODurinWOFSAB  Sean Candler represents the Royal Navy at the summit of Snowdon 0trGmD8GqqODurinWOFS
AB Sean Candler represents the Royal Navy at the summit of Snowdon 0trGmD8GqqODurinWOFS

The team, from HMS Hurworth took on the 24-hour epic, which saw them scaling the highest mountains in England, Wales and Scotland for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.

Ten sailors volunteered began their ordeal by tackling Ben Nevis, with Hurworth’s divers first to the 4,414ft summit; Leading Diver Luke ‘Rocky’ Halbauer was king of the mountain, reaching the peak in 3hrs 15 mins – three quarters of an hour ahead of his teammates.

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Next, the lowest of the three mountains, Scafell Pike, at a ‘mere’ 3,200ft.

AB Candler, Lt Reeves, Lt Griffiths and SLt Allen celebrate conquering Scafell Pike" aIgyC2XdLpDmu0dUfqyjAB Candler, Lt Reeves, Lt Griffiths and SLt Allen celebrate conquering Scafell Pike" aIgyC2XdLpDmu0dUfqyj
AB Candler, Lt Reeves, Lt Griffiths and SLt Allen celebrate conquering Scafell Pike" aIgyC2XdLpDmu0dUfqyj

An ascent which should have begun in darkness began at dawn thanks to roadworks, before the sailor leading the climb decided to pick the ‘scenic route’ to the top, but the team nevertheless made it in four hours.

Traffic hampered the final climb too, leaving them just three hours to make Snowdon’s summit.

Every one of the sailors hit the deadline – allowing a few minutes to celebrate before returning to Pompey.

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The ten climbers’ efforts helped raise £800 for their chosen good cause.

AB Candler, Lt Reeves, Lt Griffiths and SLt Allen celebrate conquering Scafell Pike" aIgyC2XdLpDmu0dUfqyjAB Candler, Lt Reeves, Lt Griffiths and SLt Allen celebrate conquering Scafell Pike" aIgyC2XdLpDmu0dUfqyj
AB Candler, Lt Reeves, Lt Griffiths and SLt Allen celebrate conquering Scafell Pike" aIgyC2XdLpDmu0dUfqyj

Hurworth’s second-in-command, Lieutenant Simon Reeves said: ‘It was a great team building opportunity and a exciting event to take part in for a charity which supports the whole service.

‘I thoroughly enjoyed the experience, even if my legs didn’t.’