Wessex Trains Commandos
01 Dec 2004
A team from Wessex Trains turned in a creditable performance in the Lympstone annual Commando Challenge in October.
The contest attracts men and women from all over Britain determined to prove themselves against one of the toughest assault courses in the world, an essential part of Royal Marines basic training. Graham Penn, a train planner and Andrew Page, an HR Manager, both at Wessex Trains recruited Jake Smith a friend and Simon Oliver, husband of Wessex Trains HR manager, Debbie, for the challenge.
Says Graham, ‘I knew two train drivers on Wessex Trains - Dick O’Neil and Paul Samways who had taken part.’ Inspired by the drivers, Graham, a career railwayman who previously worked as a conductor, put together a team.
The Commando Challenge includes a two mile road run and a three mile assault course through underground tunnels filled with mud and water. The main obstacle, called the Sheep Dip, has passed into special forces legend. Then comes a two mile run back to base.
Graham and his team from Wessex Trains helped raise money for local charities. The event is organised by the Royal Marines and local radio station, Gemini Radio. Says Graham, ‘It is really great fun and well worth doing. There are various sergeant major types stood about shouting good effort, good effort and I will definitely consider doing it again.’
Graham trains six days a week running three miles to a gym for a work out and then a swim. He goes early in the morning when it’s quieter. Andrew Page is even fitter having just competed in the New York marathon.
Fancy fielding a team next year? Go to www.commandochallenge.co.uk for further details - and let us know.