100 miles and a big hill.

We are two serving Royal Marine Commandos who have agreed to undertake an immense challenge in support of the service personnel who have obtained life changing injuries during their service.

Our inspiration has been drawn from a fellow Royal Marine, Marine Ben Horner. After achieving his lifelong dream of earning his Green Beret, Ben became a part of Comacchio Troop within the Fleet Protection Group Royal Marines. Ben was a hoofing Bootneck, which is the highest compliment you can receive. He was also a good friend, one that you could trust had your back and, like most Marines, he was built like an ox. Ben loved being a Commando and everything that came with it. One day, whilst conducting Close Quarter Combat Training, an incident occurred and Ben broke his neck, leaving him paralysed. After surgery, Ben now resides as the Defence Medical and Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) where he works hard every day on his recovery. A well-known phrase amongst our peers is that “once a Marine, always a Marine.” Although Ben will always be a Royal Marine, unfortunately he will never return to active service.

Ben’s life has undoubtedly changed forever, but the one thing that has not changed is his strong mindset. The thing that has stood out to anyone who has met him since the incident, is his amazing positivity and sense of humour that never dropped no matter the adversity he faced. A true Commando Spirit. Through listening to Ben, this show of immeasurable strength and courage is clearly shared amongst the other service personnel currently with Ben at DMRC, all who are battling with their own struggles and injuries but still get up every morning and smash the day.

This is why we have been inspired to take on a challenge fitting for these men and women. A test of great mental and physical strength. Myself and George are both going to run from Helensburgh, Scotland to the Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, with a generous detour to the summit of Ben Nevis along the way. This is a total of 104 miles including the 1345 metre ascent up Ben Nevis. We will begin the run in August 2024 and plan to have completed the run within a 30 hour period. All support will be greatly appreciated.

The aim of this fundraiser is to give back to these people. Not only to boost their morale and make life in the rehab centre more bearable but also as a thank you for the part they themselves have given while proudly serving their country. To achieve this, we are donating 50% of the proceeds to personnel in DMRC to help with upgrading their common rooms with more enjoyable and accessible entertainment facilities, in the hope that we can help improve their quality of life.

The other 50% of proceeds will be donated to the Royal Marines Charity who work so hard to keep the Royal Marines family together and keep the dream of “once a Marine, always a Marine” alive.

All contributions big or small will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Jared and George