Whilst deployed in the Middle East and driven by a personal family tragedy, Corporal George Watters cycled 1084 miles in 110 days, raising money for the charity 'Children with Cancer & Leukaemia Advice & Support for Parents' (CCLASP).
Having experienced the grief of losing his nephew, Scott, to Leukaemia, George wanted to help other families and children affected. In honour of Scott’s memory, he raised invaluable funds for CCLASP, a charity who provide specialist and tailored support to families across Scotland.
Using his spare time whilst deployed in the Middle East and often after completing a nightshift engineering RAF Typhoon fast jet aircraft, George set about to complete his challenge; 1084 miles on a spin bike, the distance from Lands End to the village of John o’Groats.
George started the event on the day his partner completed the Edinburgh Marathon, cycling the initial 30 miles. After that point, he completed an average of 71 miles per week and finished the challenge on day 110. On the penultimate ride, a family member set him the additional challenge of completing 10 miles in full military Personal Protective Equipment.
“Being apart from loved ones, whether that be from the pandemic or deployment, is always tough. The amount of support I have received doing this event has been overwhelming and pushed me over the finish line."
Corporal Watters
1(F) Squadron engineer
Having set an initial target of £1084, Watters exceeded this by 53%, raising £1663. This money will help support families affected by Cancer and Leukaemia, providing financial, practical and emotional support. The funds also help the children by providing holidays and trips, giving them something to look forward to.
“Corporal Watters’ personal effort in raising money for such a worthwhile cause whilst deployed on operations is an inspiration to us all. He has been a vital member for the team on Operation Shader and his selfless contribution is just brilliant to see."
Wing Commander Baker
Officer Commanding 1(F) Squadron
Corporal Watters was deployed as a 1(F) Squadron engineer, the front-line Typhoon Detachment, who up until recently, were focused on the defeat of Daesh in the Middle East. 1(F) Squadron returned to RAF Lossiemouth last week, having served at 903 Expeditionary Air Wing during one of the most kinetic periods for the RAF in years. UK Armed Forces are deployed to the Middle East to support counter Daesh operations as part of the 83-member strong Global Coalition.
The RAF recognise that raising charitable funds is a fantastic opportunity for our people and for the communities we serve, and events like this display the remarkable resilience of our people, who strive to help others while deployed away from family and friends and delivering air operations across the Middle East.
For further information and guidance on the charity and Leukaemia, please visit Children with Cancer & Leukaemia Advice & Support for Parents.