27th May 2020. Watchkeeper Edgar Ruddock from NCI Calshot Tower has completed two days of his sponsored stair climb to raise much needed funds for his station, although he does say his “muscles are starting to complain”.

 Edgar said “Working a shift at Calshot Tower involves climbing a series of eight near-vertical ladders to enter the watch room. During lockdown, the station has been closed. So instead...I planned to spend an hour each day between 25-29 May climbing my stairs at home, in the hope I will be sponsored”. Edgar is hoping to raise £650 to Support the National Coastwatch Institution Station at Calshot Tower as it returns from lockdown to continue its contribution to local maritime and shoreside safety.

 By the third day Edgar reported that he has climbed “Up 5502 steps, Down 5502steps, a total of 11004. I reckon that's 5 trips up and down the tower! With two days to go, it's starting to tell on the legs and on the carpet, but with everyone's generosity, we'll soon be in orbit!”You can sponsor Edgar via the Just Giving website at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/edgarfornci?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=socpledgedesktop&utm_content=edgarfornci&utm_campaign=post-pledge-desktop&utm_term=6M6aGeDg3

Calshot NCI is one of a series of stations around the country supporting the Emergency Services by acting as "eyes along the coast". Run entirely by local volunteers, the station operates during daylight hours, with a visual span covering most of the Solent and the seaward side of Southampton Water. Funds are needed for equipment, such as radios and telescopes, and careful, ongoing training of volunteers.