Cohort Group sign up as Silver Sponsors for HMS Oardacious in the Atlantic Challenge

29 March 2019

“We have all been struck by the team’s passion to create a tangible legacy for mental health support in the Royal Navy & Royal Marines”

Cohort plc, together with three of its subsidiary companies MASS, MCL and SEA, is delighted to announce their support as Silver Sponsors for HMS Oardacious, the team of four Royal Navy Submariners that will take part in the world’s toughest rowing race, the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge in December 2019.

The team of submariners - Lieutenant Hugo Mitchell-Heggs, Lieutenant Callum Fraser, Petty Officer Dylan Woods and Leading Engineering Technician Matthew Harvey - is taking part in the 3000-mile unsupported row across the Atlantic Ocean to mark 50 years of Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD), during which time there has always been a Royal Navy Ballistic Missile Submarine at sea providing the nation’s deterrent.

Cohort’s sponsorship will help the team’s ambitious goal of being the first to cross the finishing line in Antigua in January 2020. Most importantly the sponsorship will support the team’s aim to raise £100,000 for its chosen charity, The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC), to provide mental health and wellbeing support to Royal Navy Submariners. As part of its work with the RNRMC, the money raised by HMS Oardacious intends to support the existing mental health framework to support sailors, marines and their families for life.

Andy Thomis, Chief Executive of the Cohort Group said: “The Cohort Group is immensely proud to be supporting HMS Oardacious for the Atlantic Challenge and I applaud the team’s bravery and determination to be the first boat to cross the finish line. We have all been struck by the team’s passion for the RNRMC and their aim to create a tangible legacy in mental health support.

“The Submarine Service has ensured the UK remains safe through CASD and the team’s wish to recognise the human endeavour and commitment to sustain this vital operation is a worthy cause for the Group to support.”

Cohort has strong links and an extensive history with the Royal Navy and provides a number of products to the Submarine Service. For example, SEA’s Krait Defence System is a complete ASW solution for smaller vessels, while both SEA and EID offer a range of naval communications systems. MCL also has a close relationship with the Royal Navy to supply equipment on a requirement basis.

In addition to the Group’s defence technology speciality, many of its employees have previously served in the armed services.

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