Red Arrows

The Red Arrows take on the Medicine Ball Challenge

The Red Arrows have taken on the Medicine Ball Challenge, devised to represent the burden of mental health problems, in the build up to the Eastbourne International Airshow (17-20 August).

On Monday 14 August (the week of the airshow), both the Red Arrows’ Officer Commanding, Wing Commander Adam Collins, and Senior Engineering Officer, Squadron Leader Chris Phipps, will officially take up their respective medicine balls, aptly and competitively named the ‘red’ and ‘blue’ balls.

The challenge involves cuffing a 3kg Medicine Ball to their wrists for 7 days. It may not sound that heavy but being tied to the medicine ball continuously for 7 days is a significant burden. The ball becomes a physical, visual and tangible representation of the invisible burden of mental health so many of us can experience.

Their  challenge will culminate at the Eastbourne Airshow, where Red 10 (Squadron Leader Graeme Muscat) will be talking about the challenge in the team’s display commentary. Both Wg Cdr Collins and Sqn Ldr Phipps will be present at the military village with our medicine ball in tow on one of the show’s four days, before concluding on the final day with an official ‘uncuffing’ and handover.

One in four adults experience mental illness, and many more of us know and care for people who do. Talking openly about we feel can help.

The challenge raises money for the following charities. Any support you can offer will be gratefully received and split evenly between the causes.

Combat Stress

ABF The Soldiers' Charity