A solicitor from leading South Devon law firm Quality Solicitors Law Shop South Devon has proven himself a fit fundraiser.

Chris Linton was part of a team from Torquay Round Table which took part in the Royal Marines’ annual Commando Challenge earlier this month. They successfully raised £762 for the Devon Air Ambulance and C Group which provides support for Royal Marines.

The group of nine fundraisers did a ten kilometre run over the Royal Marines’ training course at the Bicton Arena near Exeter, and then tackled several obstacles including Peters Pool, a shoulder-deep lake, the dreaded Sheep Dip which required them to be pulled underwater through a tunnel.

The Torquay Round Table team were entered into the Veterans category and completed the course in one hour 39 minutes. This meant they finished eighth out of 160, and fifth in the men-only teams.

Chris Linton said: “It was tougher than any of us expected. With the course based over steep hills it was very difficult to compare to any of the training we had carried out. And just when we were thoroughly tired out from the run we had to contend with walking through the pond and then going through the Sheep Dip which meant that the remainder of the course was completed in sodden and heavy clothing.

”The camaraderie was fantastic with everyone spurring each other on to complete the course. We started together and made sure we ran across the line together too. We were all very surprised when we found out how well we had done and the money raised was fantastic. I think all of us were quite sore the next day!”

The overall amount raised by the teams that entered over the weekend was over £250,000. And despite the hardships, the Torquay Round Table team have vowed to enter again next year.