Two adventurous women from Southsea, known as the Southsea Sprinters, are lacing up their trainers and taking on Race Across the UK in support of Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC).
Long-time friends and neighbours, Charlotte and Georgie, are excited to take on this unique fundraising challenge that combines adventure, teamwork, and giving back to the naval community.
The challenge is open to everyone – both military and civilian. Participants will embark on an epic adventure from Edinburgh to Dartmouth without map apps or planes - relying solely on their wits, a map, and what they can carry on their back.
The duo met over a decade ago while living on the Pembroke Park Military Patch, with both of their husbands serving in the Royal Navy. Their shared love of travel and adventure has led them to this exciting mission after Georgie spotted a post on Facebook by fellow participant and friend, Michelle Westwood.
“I absolutely love Race Across the World and always said I wanted to do it myself,” said Georgie. “When I saw Michelle’s Facebook post, I knew I had to sign up too, and Charlotte is always up for an adventure, so I knew she'd be the perfect partner.”
Race Across the UK isn’t just about covering miles, it's filled with challenges along the way, which the Southsea Sprinters are eagerly anticipating.
“We’re most looking forward to the unpredictability,” said Charlotte. “Race Across the UK is really exciting as there are challenges along the way, so we were really excited to have the chance to push ourselves - potentially out of our comfort zones. Also we've both spent many years watching our Serving husbands travel and experience amazing things, so we felt like it was our turn.”
Beyond the excitement of the challenge, supporting RNRMC is at the heart of their journey. Both Charlotte and Georgie have personally benefitted from the work of RNRMC and our partner charities over the years.
Our children have attended Kings Camp every summer for nearly a decade,” said Georgie. “We’ve also had support from organisations like Aggies, the Naval Families Federation (NFF), the Naval Children’s Charity, Solent Mind and SSAFA. The support these charities provide is absolutely invaluable.
The team have been busy rallying their local community and raising vital funds through creative efforts. These have included car boot sales, social media campaigns, a wine tasting evening with a raffle and quiz, a “gin and jigsaw” night, and a fundraising stall at their local Military Patch Summer picnic.
When asked what they’d say to anyone considering taking part in the Race Across the UK, the Southsea Sprinters were quick to respond: “Don’t think too much – just do it! What an opportunity for an adventure of a lifetime!”
They also shared a heartfelt message about the charity they are so proud to represent
RNRMC is a fantastic charity that provides invaluable help and support to members of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, and their families. We’re proud to be supporting such an incredible cause and making a real difference to the lives of those that the charity support.
Help them reach their goal: The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity - Southsea Sprinters
Sign up your own team here.
