Draft dodgers

Tee-total soldiers climb virtual Everest

Members of the Royal Air Force stationed in Afghanistan climbed the equivalent height of Mount Everest – just so their friends back home could enjoy some local beer.

Senior Aircraft pilot David Haigh with other soldiers of the Royal Air Force Fire and Rescue Service, stationed in Camp Bastion, climbed 29,000ft in order to buy a barrel at Huddersfield’s Colne Valley Lion’s charity beer festival, last week.

Haigh, of Wellhouse, along with his RAF friends, virtually climbed the world's highest peak to support the festival despite not being able to taste a drop of alcohol whilst they are in Afghanistan. John Daker, 70, member of the Lion’s club, told the Huddersfield Examiner: “It’s brilliant – instead of being able to spend money on beer himself he’s sending it back for all of us here to enjoy.”

Other firefighters and soldiers on the camp sponsored the Air Force team to climb a series of ladders to match the height of the world’s tallest mountain, in order to fulfil the challenge. The three day beer festival was held at the Slaithwaite Conservative Club between 13 and 15 Nov. Despite the fighters’ strict sobriety, they wanted to support the West Yorkshire event along with local companies to raise money for charity.

Mr Daker told reporters: “David’s mum, Rachel, is a member of our club and as he has to be tee-total, he obviously felt it would be nice to raise money to support our festival instead.” The money raised from the festival will be given to a range of Lions’ charities including the Holme Valley Mountain Rescue Team. The Lions hope to beat last year’s total of £5000 which they donated to the urology department at Huddersfield Hospital. David also donated half the money raised to last week’s Children in Need.

They might not be able to enjoy their favourite tipple this festive season, but David and his RAF supporters did their best for people back at home to have fun at this popular annual beer festival.