This Sunday, 25 February 2024, renowned anthropologist, Emmy award-winning filmmaker and Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) Ambassador, Chris Terrill, will be taking on the Brighton Half Marathon, on crutches, raising money for RNRMC and in memory of his friend, Royal Navy Commander Robert ‘Bob’ Hawkins.
This will be Chris’s 45th half marathon, but his first, and perhaps most challenging, on crutches as he recovers from hip surgery after a sporting accident a matter of weeks ago.
Chris first encountered Cdr Bob Hawkins, a legend within the naval community, whilst filming the HMS BRILLIANT television series in 1995. Bob also featured on the 2018 series, Britain’s Biggest Warship on board Aircraft Carrier HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH. They remained friends until Bob’s sudden death, whilst still serving, in October 2023, an event which shocked the naval community.
Brighton-born Chris will be identifiable during the half-marathon not only because of his bright red ‘racing’ crutches, but also his Royal Marines ‘Green Beret’. This was earned by completing the full 32 weeks training with a recruit troop at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) Lympstone. He was made an honorary Royal Marine in recognition of being the only civilian and oldest person to be awarded a Green Beret on merit.
Speaking about friend, Bob Hawkins, Chris said:
“Bob remains a Royal Navy legend and the Senior Service is the poorer without him, he enjoyed a wonderful career in which he inspired many a young sailor to reach for the stars. I want to raise money, in his memory, for the navy’s principal charity, which gives back to the whole naval community, supporting sailors, marines, and their families, past, present and future.”
RNRMC’s Director of Fundraising, Dawn Ingram, said:
“It’s very poignant that Chris is fundraising in memory of his friend. To do so in such a demanding way, by running whilst still recovering from major surgery, he has our utmost respect. Thank you for your incredible efforts, Chris, on behalf of all of us at RNRMC.”
To support Chris’s fundraising efforts, please click here to donate: Chris Terrill is fundraising for Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (justgiving.com)
