A kitten that survived a 300-mile journey inside the bumper of a naval helicopter pilot’s vehicle has become the star of a Royal Navy and Marines charity calendar.
The kitten was discovered by Lieutenant Nick Grimmer shortly after he had driven from Birmingham to Cornwall through Bristol and Bath.
The pilot, who flies submarine-seeking Merlin helicopters with 814 Naval Air Squadron, referred as the Flying Tigers, informed he heard a extremely “quiet meowing” coming from his vehicle.
He stated: “I searched in the boot, under the bonnet and climbed all over and under it and still couldn’t discover exactly what was making the sound.
“I called up some of our air engineers who came and helped me to begin dismantling my pride and joy. On removing the rear bumper we were greeted by a tiny tiger-striped kitty.
“He must have had a long journey how incredibly is unharmed.
“I am never ever late for work and was left with no option but to take my new friend in with me. The location he has felt most comfortable is in my flying helmet, which is the only location he is able to sleep.”
After efforts to find the kitten’s owners failed, Lt Grimmer adopted it and named it Tigger.
Nick Grimmer and the kitten “Tigger”
And the pair have now landed a spot on the cover of the Royal Navy and Marines charity calendar, which shows a kitten in every image.
The 2017 Flying Tigers and Kittens calendar was supplied by 814 Naval Air Squadron, Merlin Force and supporting groups at Royal Navy Air Station Culdrose.
Rebecca Saunders, the manager of events and community fundraising for the charity stated: “We are delighted that 814 Naval Air Squadron decided to support the RNRMC in this way with such a fun calendar.
“It’s a great opportunity to share the story of Tigger and raise the profile of the work that the Royal Navy and Royal Marines are doing at a time of year where a lot of them, and their families, are affected by separation due to deployment worldwide.”
