The blog of Robert Gardner, co-CEO of Redington
It’s 1943. A young Hugh Ewart aged eighteen arrives by train at Spean Bridge. He is part of a band of recruits from across the armed services that have been selected to do the newly created Commando course on the Achnacarry Estate. On disembarking the train they are told they have to speed-march eight miles up to Achnacarry Castle in under an hour. Failure to do so means being immediately returned to unit (RTU).
As you heard last week at the mallowstreet exchange I have volunteered to take on a challenge of a lifetime and face the formidable “Dunker” this September – A terrifying underwater escape exercise all Royal Marines face as part of their arduous training to gain their green beret.
I am asking you to do one or both of the following to support me and Commando Spirit in my efforts:
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 somewhat frighteningly realistic simulation of a helicopter crash at sea, in the dark, upside down, using the correct procedure. I’ve been assured it does not take physical strength – what it tests is courage, determination, fortitude and teamwork, as well as the ability to follow instructions and stay calm!
As Commando Spirit Ambassador and former Royal Marine says:
“I vividly recall my first experience in the dunker – my racing heartbeat and clammy palms as the waters rose around me. Although 100% safe it is nonetheless a great test of mettle, and a life enhancing experience for those who take part. You’ll turn up trembling and swagger out beaming, ready to take on the world”
Why the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund?
The Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund helps Royal Marines and their families when they need it most.
The RMCTF has the widest purposes of almost any service charity – quite simply, the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund will help when others cannot.
As you probably know I have taken on the challenge of raising £10,000 for the Royal Marines– a terrifying exercise all Royal Marines face as part of their arduous training to gain their green beret is the Dunker – a terrifyingly realistic simulation of a helicopter crash at sea, from which they must escape. For 2011, I will get the chance to experience the Dunker be tested against this ultimate challenge whilst helping Commando Spirit to raise £1million for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund, which supports serving and former Royal Marines and their families. The Royal Marines have suffered more casualties than any other group in Afghanistan and over the next 18 months over 75% of the serving Corps will be deployed, the largest percentage in its history.
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.
Please support me in my fundraising by donating at my Just Giving Page.
Many thanks from me, Commando Spirit and the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund.
Rob
