MCA STAFF TO CLIMB 24 LAKE DISTRICT PEAKS IN 24 HOURS

18 May 2006 03:15 PM

Eighteen employees of the MCA have volunteered to push themselves to the limits in aid of Seafarers UK, a charity which reduces hardship for serving and retired UK seafarers and their dependants.

On 20th and 21st May 2006, four teams of MCA staff from a range of its UK offices will attempt to climb 24 Lake District peaks, all over 2,400 feet, in 24 hours. An additional four MCA colleagues will act as support drivers. According to seafarers UK, "this is probably one of the most demanding mountain events ever organized as a charity challenge." This extremely tough physical challenge will test each walker's personal ambition and commitment, but teamwork will be crucial in completing the event. It has also been a key ingredient in raising sponsorship for the event.

Oliver Vardy, MCA Team Organiser, said:

"The realization of what we have let ourselves in for, is setting in now. I speak for everyone involved, in offering our thanks to all those who have sponsored us. We are all looking forward to the challenge of the climbs."

Notes to Editors:

For further information please contact Captain David Turner on either 07770 965471 or 07968 387292, or Andrew Sillitoe on 07793 086531 - who are two of the support drivers who will be available throughout the event.

Lloyds 24 Peaks MCA Team

Adrian Lester Shipping Safety Branch
Oliver Vardy Shipping Safety Branch
Stevie Travis Liverpool Marine Office
Dave Ilsley Burnham Coastguard rescue team Andrew Sillitoe Risk Analysis & Prevention Branch Dave Jardine-Smith Head of Search & Rescue
Mark Towl Southampton Marine Office
Rob Shaw Orpington Marine Office
Naomi Davies Seafarer Training & Certification Tracy Cambridge Transformation & Capability Unit David Turner Risk Analysis & Prevention Branch Shaun Rogers International Liaison Branch
David Unsworth International Liaison Branch
Anna Rothwell International Liaison Branch
Lee Norburn Quality Assurance and Development Myriam Louison DMS Technologies (Ex MCA employee) Geoff Stokes Navigation Safety Branch
Phil MacIve Buchan Sector Manager
Bob Kerr Wick Coastguard sector manager Ian Taylor Weston Super-Mare sector manager Timothy Cornish Seafarer Training & Certification Anne Young Aberdeen Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre

Press releases and further information about the Agency is available on the Web at www.mcga.gov.uk