Iron woman Tracey on role of honour

A FEMALE Royal Air Force Officer from Plymouth currently deployed on operations in the Middle East has raised money for Cancer Research by smashing a fitness challenge, taking her the length, breadth and circumference of a country.

Squadron Leader Tracey, deployed in a media and communications role, completed the ‘Air Base’ challenge in just 7 days: cycling 345 miles, running 100 miles and rowing 55 miles, a total of 500 miles, on gym equipment, raising over £800 for Cancer Research UK. 

The ‘Air Base’ challenge has been running for a number of years with completion times by those not taking time away from their role ranging from 40 days to 6 days.  Tracey is only the second female to complete the challenge in a mere 7 days.

Resting only whilst sleeping, and working her normal daily pattern, Tracey dedicated a minimum of 6 ½ hours a day to the gym and her challenge, with a view to completing it in no more than 10 days.  Once she commenced the challenge and the donations started to arrive she upped the ante and pushed herself to finish in 7 days, providing daily updates on her JustGiving website and committing to daily distances for sponsorship in order to raise more money for the charity.

“I’ve seen a few people do the challenge since I’ve been deployed and decided I would sign up as soon as I returned from my Rest and Recuperation leave.  Whilst on R&R another person close to me was diagnosed with Cancer strengthening my resolve and commitment to undertaking the challenge for charity.  As day 1 approached the coming 10 days were a daunting prospect, but I knew what I wanted to achieve and why I wanted to do it.

“By day 5 my legs were starting to ache and my back was becoming very sore, but I was miles ahead of my target; and I knew what I felt was nothing compared to those struggling with Cancer.  I knew I had to finish it sooner and play my part in supporting Cancer Research UK.” Tracey said.

In the early hours of Fri 7 Aug, having started training at 0500, Tracey completed her epic feat.  Not one to rest on her laurels, however, she swiftly refreshed and then arrived at the office by 0800 to commence a days work.

She added: “The tempo of an operational deployment is such that you cannot afford time out of the office, so I knew from the word go that if I wanted to complete the challenge, it would be all in my somewhat limited spare time.  That said, I am a strong believer that if you put your mind to something you can do it; whether that’s a physical challenge, or overcoming personal adversity.  Who needs sleep anyway!  Those who know me know that is not a mantra I live by.

“Cancer has affected my close family and the family of my friends; I therefore couldn’t think of a better charity to devote my time to than one helping those at the behest of this awful illness.”