Coningsby's Lycra Lads lead the way on charity mission

A group of 41(Reserve) Squadron personnel from RAF Coningsby are putting their feet up after completing an epic endurance event by travelling from Buckingham Palace to Edinburgh Castle.
Pictured L-R: CT Paul Partington, Sgt Phil Grantham, SAC(T) Matt Bellamy, Cpl Rob Redhead, Cpl Richard Thope, Sgt Phil Nutland, Sgt Ian Fairbairn, SAC(T) Ken Holmes, SAC(T) Mark Smith, Cpl Rob Taylor. In Front of TornadoPictured L-R: CT Paul Partington, Sgt Phil Grantham, SAC(T) Matt Bellamy, Cpl Rob Redhead, Cpl Richard Thope, Sgt Phil Nutland, Sgt Ian Fairbairn, SAC(T) Ken Holmes, SAC(T) Mark Smith, Cpl Rob Taylor. In Front of Tornado
Pictured L-R: CT Paul Partington, Sgt Phil Grantham, SAC(T) Matt Bellamy, Cpl Rob Redhead, Cpl Richard Thope, Sgt Phil Nutland, Sgt Ian Fairbairn, SAC(T) Ken Holmes, SAC(T) Mark Smith, Cpl Rob Taylor. In Front of Tornado

Over four long and exhausting days, five cyclists, - ‘The Lycra Lads’ - cycled 441.3 miles whilst four runners - ‘The Jolly Joggers’ - completed four marathons.

Corporal (Cpl) Robert Taylor said: “We wanted to do something to celebrate and commemorate the Tornado coming to the end of its service.

“We also wanted to raise money for a couple of deserving charities.

SSAFA have supported myself and other team members in personal situations and ‘Hemihelp’ have helped my family as my son has cerebral palsy.

“I have cycled 100 miles in a day before but never on consecutive days, so I wanted to challenge myself.”

On completing the challenge one of ‘The Jolly Joggers’ - Cpl Rob Redhead - said: “I felt amazed at my achievements.

“I had never run a marathon before, all the pain went away as I celebrated with the team.”

Cpl Lee Gemmell said: “I was determined not to give up. I was filled with immense pride, relief and elation to cycle up the Royal Mile to the castle gates.

“It was definitely something to remember.”