University Royal Naval Unit
University's Royal Marines Commando 80 Challenge - The Raid page
Fundraising for RMA - The Royal Marines Charity
Story
Cycling from the Atlantic coast of France to the Mediterranean coast?! Why…
At the beginning of September a team of University Royal Naval Unit (URNU) members took part in The Raid challenge to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Royal Marines taking the commando role. This cycle expedition saw URNU members tell the story of the greatest raid of all time, Operation Chariot, the Commando Raid on St Nazaire dry Dock. We followed parts of the escape route of the few men who managed to extract through occupied France, cross the Pyrenes, Spain and into Gibraltar before finally being repatriated to the UK.
As well as following the escape route through North France with battlefield tours, we crossed the Pyrenees by bike from the Atlantic Coast to the Mediterranean Coast - a route appropriately named “The Raid”. Averaging 140km and nearly 3000m climbing a day, by the time we reach the Mediterranean we will have cycled 1150km and climbed some of the toughest climbs on the routes of the Tour de France! Not only was this a highly educational event but also an immense physical challenge.
The URNU provides an opportunity for both personal and professional development by improving key teamwork, leadership and communication skills whilst also introducing individuals to the values and ethos of the Royal Navy. For all members of the team, this challenge helped put these skills into practice and was a unique test of mental and physical resilience.
Through our URNU experience, we have seen first-hand the work of the Royal Marines Charity and would like to support this amazing cause. The charity is committed to making tangible differences to the lives of serving and former marines and their families.
Any donations would be greatly appreciated.