Grateful for the incredible work The Submarine Family does through the Drumfork Centre, which provides invaluable support to so many families.
by Bill Heaney
During an operational deployment of the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD), the crew of HMS Vengeance raised the remarkable sum of £4,880.
The outstanding achievement was made possible through a series of fundraising events, including several coffee mornings held onboard. The funds were shared across three incredible charities: The Submarine Family (£1,440), Endometriosis UK (£2,000), and the Onboard Welfare Fund (£1,440).
Discussions were held between crewmembers Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Sneddon and Petty Officer (PO) Drummond on which charities would benefit.
Approached by PO Drummond, CPO Sneddon was keen to support the fundraising and took great interest in wanting to improve morale for the whole ship’s company.
He said: “It has become a great interest for me to allow the Submarine Service to be seen as a lead drive in charities in the armed forces. Many of my friends and crew’s wives/partners suffer from Endometriosis and the pain they endure was a large driving factor to running these events. The events allowed them time to talk about what was going on at home, which when you’re away for so long, is key to the mental health and well-being of the ship’s company.”
The objective was to enhance awareness among the ship’s company regarding the physical and detrimental impact Endometriosis has on women, globally. Something that remains often overlooked and rarely discussed. Additionally, support was directed at the Submarine Family which is a charitable organisation that provides essential services to submarine crews and their families and is part of the Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity. Fundraising for the Submarine Family allowed the crew to give back to their loved ones and assist others within the broader Submarine Service community.
PO Drummond added: “Having served eleven years in the Royal Navy’s Submarine Service, I am motivated to give back to a charity that supports the families who sacrifice so much for us. By providing funds to a local organisation, we can directly impact our community. I am particularly grateful for the incredible work The Submarine Family does through the Drumfork Centre, which provides invaluable support to so many families.”
Funds raised were also allocated to the Onboard Welfare Fund which is specifically designed to support the unit’s personnel within social areas. Contribution to this fund allows the crew to make direct improvements throughout their regeneration periods.
Rallying the crew together to achieve a high goal brought about a supportive and encouraging environment among the crew silently patrolling waters as the UK’s nuclear deterrent.
Top of page: HMS Vengeance returning to HM Clyde naval base at Faslane on the Gareloch.