Diver rises to occasion for big race
A DAREDEVIL navy diver who shares his name with James Bond's creator is taking on the Great South Run in memory of his step-daughter.
Action man Ian Fleming will swap his regulator for running shoes as he leads a team of 10 trainees from HMS Excellent at Horsea Island, Portsmouth.
The dive school supremo will complete the course on Sunday, October 26 to raise funds for the Meningitis Trust.
It is a cause close to home for the 44-year-old from Segens-worth, who lost his stepdaughter Claire to the illness in 1989.
He said: 'I was serving at sea at the time and when I got back Claire was on life-support.
'It's a long time ago now but I can still remember how sad it was.
'She was only a couple of months short of her third birthday, so I know first-hand how devastating this disease can be.
'By taking part I hope we can raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and fingers crossed we will make 10,000 for the charity.'
The chief petty officer has been at Horsea Island for five years and is no stranger to charity fund-raising. He took on the London Marathon in 2006 and also completed a bike ride from Land's End to John O'Groats.
He said: 'Me and the boys just want to do something positive, and we enjoy physical activity.
'We haven't decided who yet but two of us are going to lug diving apparatus around.
'The clearance diving kit weighs 70lbs, so it's not an easy thing to have on your back when you're running.'
The Meningitis Trust provides support services that give families and individuals a lifeline when they are coping with the impact of the virus.
But with no government funding the trust relies on voluntary donations to continue its work.
CPO Fleming said: 'We hope people will spot us out on the streets that day and make a donation.'
More on the Great South Run
The navy's Mine Clearance Divers have set up an Internet page, www.justgiving.com/navydiver, where donations can be made.
Places for the Great South Run are fast filling up but the Meningitis Trust still has a few places available.
To get a guaranteed place, runners need to pay a registration fee of 25 and pledge to raise sponsorship.
The deadline for entries is Monday, August 25.
For more information, visit www.meningitis-trust.org/involved or contact the trust on 0845 120 4766.
Alternatively e-mail davidl@meningitis-trust.org.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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