PERSONNEL at RAF St Mawgan took part in a brutal Gurkha charity challenge.

Participants competed in a Doko Race over a three-kilometre course carrying up to 15kg in a traditional Nepalese Doko basket.

Personnel from across RAF St Mawgan joined members of the Defence Survive, Evade, Resist, Extract Training Organisation (DSTO) on 15 September to take part in a Gurkha inspired charity Doko Race, raising approximately £500 so far for the Gurkha Welfare Trust. Participants completed a 3km course carrying up to 15kg in a traditional Nepalese Doko basket, daysack or bergen, inspired by one of the physical challenges undertaken during Gurkha selection in Nepal. Others took part by walking or running the course without weight. The event celebrated Gurkha heritage, strengthened teamwork across the tri-service station and raised funds to support Gurkha veterans and communities in Nepal.
Participants competed in a Doko Race over a three-kilometre course carrying up to 15kg in a traditional Nepalese Doko basket (Picture: Cpl Tom Cann RAF)

The uphill endurance test which sees participants run while carrying a hand-woven Nepalese bamboo basket strapped to their backs and heads is a legendary and critical part of the recruitment selection process for aspiring soldiers wanting to join the elite Brigade of Gurkhas in the British Army.

Personnel from across RAF St Mawgan joined members of the Defence Survive, Evade, Resist, Extract Training Organisation (DSTO) on 15 September to take part in a Gurkha inspired charity Doko Race, raising approximately £500 so far for the Gurkha Welfare Trust. Participants completed a 3km course carrying up to 15kg in a traditional Nepalese Doko basket, daysack or bergen, inspired by one of the physical challenges undertaken during Gurkha selection in Nepal. Others took part by walking or running the course without weight. The event celebrated Gurkha heritage, strengthened teamwork across the tri-service station and raised funds to support Gurkha veterans and communities in Nepal.
The charity challenge has so far raised £500 for the Gurkha Welfare Trust (Picture: Cpl Tom Cann RAF)

The RAF St Mawgan personnel were joined by members of the defence survive, evade, resist, extract training organisation for the charity challenge, which has so far raised £500 for the Gurkha Welfare Trust. Others took part by walking or running the course without weight.

Corporal Jimmy, who was the first to finish in an impressively quick time, said: “It was a great opportunity to raise awareness, support the charity and bring people together. Winning was a bonus.”

Personnel from across RAF St Mawgan joined members of the Defence Survive, Evade, Resist, Extract Training Organisation (DSTO) on 15 September to take part in a Gurkha inspired charity Doko Race, raising approximately £500 so far for the Gurkha Welfare Trust. Participants completed a 3km course carrying up to 15kg in a traditional Nepalese Doko basket, daysack or bergen, inspired by one of the physical challenges undertaken during Gurkha selection in Nepal. Others took part by walking or running the course without weight. The event celebrated Gurkha heritage, strengthened teamwork across the tri-service station and raised funds to support Gurkha veterans and communities in Nepal.
(L-R) Event organiser Colour Sergeant Naresh presenting the trophy to Corporal Jimmy who won the race (Picture: Cpl Tom Cann RAF)

Flight Lieutenant John said: “I have had the privilege of working with the Gurkhas for many years, and it is only right that we continue to support their friends, families and communities at home.”

Personnel from across RAF St Mawgan joined members of the Defence Survive, Evade, Resist, Extract Training Organisation (DSTO) on 15 September to take part in a Gurkha inspired charity Doko Race, raising approximately £500 so far for the Gurkha Welfare Trust. Participants completed a 3km course carrying up to 15kg in a traditional Nepalese Doko basket, daysack or bergen, inspired by one of the physical challenges undertaken during Gurkha selection in Nepal. Others took part by walking or running the course without weight. The event celebrated Gurkha heritage, strengthened teamwork across the tri-service station and raised funds to support Gurkha veterans and communities in Nepal.
The event gave personnel the opportunity to experience a "small part" of Gurkha heritage (Picture: Cpl Tom Cann RAF)

Event organiser Colour Sergeant Naresh added: “I am incredibly proud of everyone who supported and took part in the Doko Race.

“The event brought people together, strengthened team spirit and gave personnel the opportunity to experience a small part of Gurkha heritage, while raising money for an important cause. I am extremely grateful to the whole team who helped make it such a success.”

A spokesperson for RAF St Mawgan said: “The event celebrated Gurkha heritage, strengthened teamwork across the tri-service station and raised funds to support Gurkha veterans and communities in Nepal.”

Personnel from across RAF St Mawgan joined members of the Defence Survive, Evade, Resist, Extract Training Organisation (DSTO) on 15 September to take part in a Gurkha inspired charity Doko Race, raising approximately £500 so far for the Gurkha Welfare Trust. Participants completed a 3km course carrying up to 15kg in a traditional Nepalese Doko basket, daysack or bergen, inspired by one of the physical challenges undertaken during Gurkha selection in Nepal. Others took part by walking or running the course without weight. The event celebrated Gurkha heritage, strengthened teamwork across the tri-service station and raised funds to support Gurkha veterans and communities in Nepal.
The event raised funds to support Gurkha veterans and communities in Nepal (Picture: Cpl Tom Cann RAF)

Further donations are still being received, with funds supporting the vital work of the Gurkha Welfare Trust.