Would you take the leap?

Later this year, editor Matt Warren will abseil off the roof of London's St Pancras station for charity. Here, he reveals why - and how one Lady reader can join him...

In a few short months, no doubt with my heart in my mouth, I will clamber on to the roof of London’s magnificent St Pancras station, where I will be strapped into a harness. I will then step off the edge and fast abseil to the ground below in front of a crowd of spectators.

It is a daunting prospect, but I will Take the Leap as part of the Commando Spirit Appeal on behalf of the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund (RMCTF). This vital charity 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.

As the son of a former Royal Marine, it is a cause that is particularly close to my heart. And I will be in safe hands. Before the big event on 14 September, I will have been on a Royal Marines fast abseil-training course, and the Marines will be there to make sure everything goes smoothly on the day.

Commando-Spirit-02-590Marines at the launch of Commando Spirit

Equally challenging, however, is my aim to raise £10,000 in sponsorship and donations. Commando Spirit is staging a series of similar challenges over the next three years, with the aim of raising £1m for the RMCTF, and when Commando Spirit founder and director Sally-Anne Hunter got in touch, I jumped at the chance to play my part.

Currently, more Royal Marines than ever before are operationally deployed – a staggering 75 per cent of those serving. They work in dangerous and difficult circumstances, leaving their loved ones behind and risking their lives for our country.

Growing up around the Royal Marines, I found them to be hugely inspiring, remarkably committed and unflinchingly professional. I am truly excited about attempting to put something back, and your help could make all the difference.

If you would like to make a donation or read more about the event, you can visit my online Just Giving site at www.justgiving.com/Matt-Warren0 or, alternatively, please do just contact me at the usual office address or telephone number. I’d love to tell you more about this exciting event in person.

Thank you.

 ...And here's how to join me

Commando-Spirit-03-590Commando Spirit launch at the Tower of London

For a chance to Take The Leap with Matt – and take on the challenge of fundraising for this fantastic cause – simply answer the following questions.

1. What would it mean to you to take part in the Take The Leap challenge? (In no more than 100 words.)

2. Each person taking part is challenged to try to raise £10,000. The Commando Spirit team offers help and guidance but how would you go about your fundraising? What are your ideas? (In up to 100 words.)

3. Royal Marines are known for possessing and exhibiting a unique ‘commando spirit’. Describe an occasion when you have exhibited courage and determination (in no more than 100 words).

The winner will need to endeavour to raise £10,000 for the Commando Spirit Appeal for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund and be available to Take The Leap on the 14 September or 5 October in London. They may also be required for interview/photos.

Remember to include full contact details (name, address, telephone number, email) with your answers, which can be emailed to info@commandospirit.com or visit the website, www.commandospirit.com where you can complete the questionnaire online. Postal entries should be sent to: Commando Spirit, Lifetime Challenge Events Ltd, 46 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh EH2 4HQ and labelled ‘LADY COMPETITION’.

The winner will be decided by a judging panel, including Sally-Anne Hunter (Commando Spirit founder and director), Mark Noble (chief executive, RMCTF), Matt Warren (editor of The Lady) and award-winning former Royal Marine and triple amputee Mark Ormrod.

For more information on the Commando Spirit Appeal or Take The Leap, please visit www. commandospirit.com or Matt’s Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/Matt-Warren0

Please note that, for the purposes of the competition, we will be sending your entry and contact details to Lifetime Challenge Events Ltd, which is the company behind the Commando Spirit Appeal.