A FORMER Royal Navy Warrant Officer braved the blistering heat to complete a challenge for NHS heroes in Cornwall.

Gary Slater, who served in the Royal Navy for 38 years, achieved his six-hour run around the perimeter of HMS Raleigh. With one lap measuring approximately one mile, Gary managed to complete 27 laps, averaging 12 minutes per lap.

The 62-year-old has exceeded his original target for the Cornwall Foundation Trust’s Coronavirus appeal, with a Just Giving page bringing in just over £1,000 and around £450 donated through collection boxes in HMS Raleigh.

Gary also asked for donations of non-perishable food for the Foodbank in Torpoint and now has six boxes to hand over.

He said: ’I consider myself a fairly good runner, but the heat was a real challenge yesterday and I hit a brick wall at about the four hour mark. With the encouragement of everyone I managed to complete the six hours.’

Gary now works at the Royal Navy training base in Torpoint, in a civilian capacity for ESS, part of the Compass Group, that provides services to the Defence and Government sector.

While Gary was running, some of his colleagues were completing their own challenge, by walking or running for 15 or 30 minutes, depending on their ability.

Gary, who has been helping to support neighbours and others during the current pandemic, decided he’d like to go a step further and was delighted to have his colleagues support.

He said: ’It’s great that the others decided to get involved. We’ve all watched how hard those on the frontline have worked during this crisis and we wanted to show them our appreciation, while also helping those who may be struggling in the community.’

The Cornwall Foundation Trust – Coronavirus appeal is run by the Cornwall Partnership Foundation Trust Charitable Trust. Money donated will support frontline NHS workers across communities in Cornwall. It could provide them with a hot meal, grocery box, soothing hand cream or a special thank you to make their lives a little bit easier during this crisis.

Gary has set up an online donation page at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gary-slater6