AN AIRMAN from Tattenhall took on a colossal physical charity challenge whilst serving on the Falkland Islands.
Cpl Stuart Waddington, currently serving as a Physical Training Instructor in the Tri-service gym at Mount Pleasant Complex, Falkland Islands, devised and undertook a mammoth fitness test for the charity Help for Heroes.
Twice a year Royal Air Force personnel take a fitness test consisting of running the Multi Stage Fitness Test (the bleep test) and then maximum press-ups and sit-ups in one minute. The bleep test is performed between two cones 20 metres apart, participants run to a bleep at each cone which after each level gets progressively quicker. Fitness is Stuart’s job and passion and he decided that to promote the test he would aim to pass as many as possible in one day whilst raising money for ‘Help for Heroes’.
The former Bishop Heber High School pupil had to get to Level 9.10 on the bleep test and then complete 20 press-ups and 35 sit-ups in each test. Battling with cramp and factoring in much needed rest and fluid stops Stuart completed 25.5 tests over the course of the day which translates to approximately 30 miles running, turning every 20 metres, 510 press-ups and 892 sit-ups.
Stuart said: “The event was well supported by personnel coming down from each section to take part in one or more tests. Money was collected throughout the day and during section social events and at the moment the event raised £524”.
Stuart is currently based at the Ministry Of Defence Stafford with tactical supply Wing and was deployed to the Falkland Islands for a four month tour and will be home for Christmas.
