I have taken on the challenge of fundraising for our Royal Marines by descending the Shard - Western Europe’s tallest skyscraper.  

For more information visit www.descentoftheshard.com

Why the Commando Spirit Appeal?

‘My son Luke served in Afghanistan in 2010 and whilst he returned a stronger man, 14 of his friends didn’t return and almost one hundred men were injured, from mere scratches for a Commando (broken arms and legs) to triple amputees. I was fortunate enough to meet some of these men and the families of those fallen at their well-earned medal parade and none of them expected anything from anyone – they chose to be Royal Marines and they see it as a part of the terrain of the job. Even the families who lost their loved ones simply echo the thoughts of their men, which is almost without exception, ‘rather I go doing what I chose to do with my life, than go any other way!’

Since that tour, eight more Royal Marines Commandos have given the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan with scores injured. The injuries, predominantly from IEDs, are appalling and change that person's life in a millionth of a second forever. Things that they took for granted no longer apply; playing football with their children, walking their children to school, decorating their own homes ... they ask for nothing, but we have opportunity to support them in their hour of need and for me, it's the least we can do.

The money raised goes to the needy families of the men killed in action, as well as those that return from operations with either mental or physical challenges they didn’t have pre-operations. The MOD does its best, but sometimes its best isn’t enough and the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund fills the gap. I hope everyone gets behind me on my journey to Take The Leap and helps to raise a fantastic sum for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund.”

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.

Do have a look at the video at:

The Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1AUo1pnoVM

For more information on how you can support the Charitable Trust Fund visit www.commandospirit.com

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