This page is now closed for donations and please donate on my 2012 fundraising page to support my efforts to Take The Leap - a Royal Marines style fast rope abseil for the Commando Spirit Appeal for the RMCTF at: https://www.justgiving.com/jeremy-paxton2

Why I believe in the Royal Marines Charitable Trust. 

My brother made a lifetime commitment to the armed forces and served 6 of those years in Special Forces. For him, and all of the other brave people that defend our Queen and country I made a commitment early this year to take on a dual challenge of fundraising for our Royal Marines in need and Escaping the Underwater aircraft cockpit known to the guys as the “DUNKER” – a (sometimes) terrifying underwater escape exercise all Royal Marines face as part of their arduous training to gain their green beret. Unfortunately an injury meant that I could not take on the Dunker so the Royal Marines laid on a special test for me as I had raised £10,000 and wanted to prove myself for my sponsors. I expect my commitment to continue for life, as the closer I get to the Marine Corp, the more motivated I become. 

 

On the 7th December myself and TV's favourite gadget girl, Suzi Perry (AKA Lara Croft), arrived at RMR London City for some intense fast rope abseil training and I've uploaded some of the photos so you can see me being put through the hand-blistering manoeuvres by my Royal Marine buddy.

 

The training was all part of the launch, by Suzi and I, of "Take The Leap" the Commando Spirit challenge for 2012 and I will be one of just 40 civilians who will be fast rope abseiling from the famous and Grade 1 Listed roof of St Pancras Station and into Twickenham Rugby Ground in 2012. So this is my challenge and please feel free (!!) to sponsor me to raise much needed funds to support those who risk their all on our behalf. Our target is £1,000,000 by 2014 and we have to make it to show support to all Royal Marines wherever they are in the World – past and present.

I have set out a few facts below for anyone who is interested:

 

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

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. If you have what it takes  - you can do this and if you would like to please contact me.

 

Here is the press release from the launch event?

On 7th December Jeremy Paxton, owner of stunning Gloucestershire vacation home development Lower Mill Estate in the Cotswolds, joined Royal Marines plus TV personality Suzi Perry, from Channel 5’s The Gadget Show, in a daring fast rope abseil at RMR City of London barracks to kick off ‘Take The Leap’, the second event in the Commando Spirit Series of challenges, which aims to raise £1m for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund (RMCTF) by 2014.

 

The eco-property developer was also joined at the Take the Leap launch by a team of Commando Spirit participants, all of whom braved the first Series challenge – Escape the Dunker – in September this year, along with Sally-Anne Hunter, Founder and Director of the Commando Spirit Appeal.

 

What is Take The Leap?

 Take the Leap, set to take place in September 2012, will offer an elite group of 40 civilian participants the chance to take on Royal Marines fast rope abseil training – and put their new skill into practice by abseiling from the roof of St Pancras station or into Twickenham rugby ground.