The Yomp is no walk in the park. Set in the stunning Scottish Highlands around historic Achnacarry Castle, this is a 30-mile hike across rugged and remote terrain; they don’t call it ‘Commando Country’ for nothing.

Part of the Commando Spirit Series of fundraising challenge events to raise £1M for The Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund, “Survive The Yomp” mirrors the training exercise normally only experienced by Royal Marine Commandos.

On 14th September this year I am determined to be one of those that Survive The Yomp – more importantly and with your help I intend to  raise significant funds for Royal Marines and their families in need.

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, too many 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 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 Yomp across 30 miles of the Scottish Highlands 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

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. 

What is the Commando Spirit Appeal?

Commando Spirit is an Appeal on behalf of the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund with a mission to raise £1m by 2014 for the charity.

At the heart of the Appeal is the Commando Spirit Series of events, which offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for participants to show their courage and test their mettle against a substantial commando challenge, whilst gaining a rare insight into what it means to be a Royal Marine Commando and raising life changing sums for Royal Marines and their families in need.

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 commitments 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 visit our website www.commandospirit.com and or contact us by email - info@commandospirit.com