When my Dad found out my Mum was pregnant with me, the first thing he did was drive down to the Royal Marines Museum in Eastney to purchase my Royal Marines Teddy Bear.

Over the years, the museum became an incredibly special place for me and my family. It was the venue of lots of family days out, a place of reflection in difficult periods and the parade ground for many parades as a Royal Marines Cadet. It’s safe to say when the museum closed back in 2017, I was gutted.

That’s why I’m so excited for the brand new Royal Marines Experience to open!

Having worked with the incredible team and seen some sneak peeks, I can tell you now, the wait will have been so worth it!

However, there’s still a little bit of fundraising to do. I am aiming to raise £450, just a small fraction of the grand total needed to get the Museum open for you all to visit.

On the 13th of June 2026, I will be challenging myself to abseil the Spinnaker tower to raise this money and joining me will be “Booty”, my childhood teddy bear, who was the start of my special connection with the Royal Marines Museum and our wider Bootneck Family.

If you are able to donate, I would appreciate it greatly, for a cause that is so dear to my heart.

Thank you!