As a documentary maker I have made films with, and about, dozens of different organisations but my heart has always drawn me towards the military.  I feel privileged to have been involved with both the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines Commandos for nearly 15 years of my career and have made some truly great friends in that time. Sadly, some of these people have experienced life-changing injuries and two of them, Georgie Sparks and Tom Curry, lost their lives whilst on duty in Afghanistan. I am taking part in this challenge in memory of Georgie and Tom, but also to ensure there are enough funds to help Royal Marines and their families to have a better life.

I hope you will be as moved as I have been by the dedication and wonderful work carried out by some of the bravest men in the country.

ESCAPE THE DUNKER

I have taken on the challenge of fundraising for our Royal Marines in need by attempting to Escape the Dunker – a terrifying exercise all Royal Marines face as part of their arduous training to gain their green beret. So what will I be doing in September 2011? Well, I will be trained at the Underwater Escape Training Unit and then I will be strapped into a fuselage and required to escape from a frighteningly realistic simulation of a helicopter crash at sea, in the dark, upside down, using the correct procedure. The least you can do is sponsor me!

Why the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund?

The Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund helps Royal Marines and their families when they need it most. They aid the wounded and injured. They give quality of life to those returning from operations. And when the worst happens, they support the families of those who die in service. The RMCTF has the widest purposes of almost any service charity - quite simply, the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund will help when others cannot.

Have a look at this video to see for yourself the sacrifices the Royal Marines make on our behalf.

The Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1AUo1pnoVM

What is the Commando Spirit Series?

The Commando Spirit Series of events offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences to test your mettle and gain a rare and privileged insight into what it means to be a Royal Marines Commando today. The events will pit participants against some of the most formidable aspects of the Commando training, stretch them to achieve their fundraising commitment of £10,000 each and buddy them up with a former or serving Royal Marine who will provide motivation and encouragement when the going gets tough.

To find out more about how you could take the ultimate challenge visit www.commandospirit.com

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.