COMMANDO 999

 100 Former Royal Marines Commandos take part in the annual Commando 999 Speedmarch Marathon to raise funds for The Royal Marines Association

Click toEnlarge
Image courtesey of Anthony Upton

Once a Marine - Always a Marine

On Saturday November 12^th,  a team of 100 former Royal Marines Commandos took part in a gruelling 26-mile marathon across Central London.

Along the route, the troops passed a number of influential landmarks including; Buckingham Palace, The Tower of London, Oxford Street and Trafalgar Square. They also popped into Downing Street to meet The Home Secretary, Rt Hon Theresa May and the First Sea Lord, Admiral Mark Stanhope for a formal inspection.

The Home Secretary, Theresa May commented:  “I am delighted to support Commando 999 in their fundraising efforts.  Our brave servicemen and women risk their lives for their country and they deserve our deep gratitude and respect.” 

On completion of the marathon, the 100 strong ‘Speedmarch’ were met by the Royal Marines Corps of Drums at Waterloo Place, where they paraded down The Mall to the Royal Marines National Memorial for an intimate service.  

Click toEnlarge
Image courtesey of Anthony Upton

Commando 999 is dedicated to former Royal Marines Commandos who are now serving in the UK emergency services. This includes firefighters, ambulance servicemen and police officers.

Commando 999 was founded in 2009 by former Commando, Chief Inspector Mark Scoular and aims to raise over £1m for The Royal Marines Association by 2014.  Every penny raised for The Royal Marines Association goes directly towards caring for the entire Corps family from cradle to grave.  This involves providing support for both injured servicemen and women and their immediate families. 

Founder Mark Scoular comments: “Commando 999 was set up to bring together the former Royal Marines who now serve in the civic forces.  It was incredible to see just how many of them are standing up and being counted when it really matters.  Saturday's speedmarch, one of a few annual fundraising events, will raise close to £75,000 of much needed support for the Royal Marines Association.”

Click toEnlarge
Image courtesey of Anthony Upton

One particular project Commando 999 are working on this year, aims to raise funds to train a medical assistance dog for an seriously injured servicemen. These specially trained dogs are designed to assist and support their owners individual injury, enabling them to lead a fuller and more independent life. The dog will be named Yomper Richie in memory of Marine Richard Hollington who was the 300th casualty in Afghanistan last summer. The need is particularly great this year as the whole of 3 Commando Brigade will be deployed to Afghanistan.