Powering through for charity!

A team from temporary power specialist ide Systems will be taking on the Royal Marines Commando Challenge in Devon on Saturday (October 8).

The challenge, which takes place in Yettington, Woodbury Common, is a six-mile endurance course that raises money for The Royal Marines Charity and the Devon Air Ambulance Trust.

The Commando Challenge takes place each year and consists predominately of water-based tests of endurance, such as crawling through trenches and swimming through water-filled tunnels. The course itself is the same one completed by military personnel training to join the Royal Marines.

ide Systems supplies temporary power distribution and generation equipment to the construction and events industry and is a longstanding supporter of the challenge. In addition to taking part in the challenge, the company is also supplying free temporary electrical supplies to power the lighting and equipment around the site.

The company has supplied the challenge’s electrical equipment since 2010 and has competed in it for the last five years. This interest stems from the company’s commitment to helping military personnel get back into work after leaving the military.

“At ide, we have developed an effective back-to-work scheme for former military personnel that helps them settle back into ordinary life,” explained Matt Collins, business development manager at ide Systems and a member of the team taking the challenge. “In fact, many of the people that are participating from the company have military backgrounds. It is a privilege to be able to do our part for a worthwhile cause.

“2016 has been a year of heightened awareness for the issues faced by former military personnel, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A few months ago, we took part in the 22 push-up challenge that picked up momentum through social media. Taking on this challenge is another, more intensive, way of raising awareness and support for those affected by PTSD.”

Anyone interested in donating to support those taking part in the Commando Challenge can donate directly to the two partnered charities, The Royal Marines Charity and the Devon Air Ambulance Trust, through their respective websites.