Rossendale sailor in mercy mission to Goa

10:53pm Sunday 11th May 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

A ROSSENDALE sailor put his day's leave from the Royal Navy to good use by helping disadvantaged children.

Lieutenant Nick Geneux, 29, who grew up on Ventnor Road, Haslingden, helped raise a water tower, construct a children's tree-house, build a football pitch and repair buildings in Goa.

Nick is currently serving onboard HMS Illustrious, the Royal Navy's Strike aircraft carrier, returning from an operation in the Indian Ocean.

The ship had sailed to Goa for some much needed rest and recuperation - but Nick and 50 of his shipmates spent their time helping a local children's community project called Children Walking Tall.

The UK-based charity runs a children's school and day-centre which provides poor children with an education and basic healthcare, as well as protecting them from being used as child labour.

Nick, a former pupil at Haslingden High School, said the work had been hard but very satisfying.

He said: "It was a great day. To see so many members of the Ship's Company and the embarked Naval Air Squadron giving up their much-needed leisure time to help these kids is fantastic.

"Helping those less fortunate than ourselves is something that the Royal Navy is very keen to do - it speaks volumes about the character of our service men and women today.

"It is what really makes me proud to serve in the Royal Navy."

In his spare time, Nick said he enjoys snowboarding, fishing and spending time with his partner, Katie Hopkins, who is also a lieutenant.

Nick and his crew will feature in a new television series, called Warship, which starts at 9pm on May 19 on Five.

This follows HMS Illustrious and her crew's progress as they cope with the demands of the deployment. It also features the visit to the tree house.