They give up their spare time to save lives, but now five members of Porthleven Coastguard Rescue Team are putting their skills to the test in a gruelling challenge.
The team have put themselves forward to take part in the two-day ShelterBox Dartmoor Challenge - a test of endurance and skill, which sees members navigate their way across Dartmoor while transporting a loaded ShelterBox containing all the kit and equipment they need to survive the challenge.
The challenge boxes, which weigh between 25 and 30 kilos, contain among other things a special ten-person Vango tent, a multi fuel stove, food, rope and a water container. A large part of the challenge is working out the best possible method of carrying the ShelterBox, its contents and all the team's personal equipment as efficiently as possible.
As teams navigate their way from checkpoint to checkpoint they have to overcome obstacles including inhospitable terrain and harsh weather conditions. At the checkpoints the team's spirit, camaraderie and ingenuity is then tested in a series of tasks and challenges based on the contents of the ShelterBox.
Taking up the challenge is The Gue Garage owner Andrew Evans, paramedic and ex Royal Marine Brian Spicer, Beacon Cragg B&B owner and ex Royal Navy personnel Stuart Smith and coastguard officer and ex Army Aviation personnel Martin Leslie. They will be supported throughout the trek by Porthleven Harbour Master Phil Ward.
The five volunteers from the Porthleven Coastguard Rescue Team are currently in training for the challenge, which is taking place on April 26 and 27.
Mr Leslie said: "We just thought it was a worthwhile cause. We looked at a couple of challenges and thought this one was closer to home."
The group hope to raise at least enough money to buy one ShelterBox - worth £500 - although their target is £1,000.
Anyone wishing to sponsor the team can do so at their dedicated fundraising website www.justgiving.com/porthlevencoastguardrescueteam or by contacting Martin Leslie on 07092 181653 or martin.leslie@mcga.gov.uk.
