In 1944 on the eve of D-Day, the Head of the Allied Expeditionary Force (Dwight D Eisenhower) issued a briefing note to the troops describing the forthcoming invasion of Europe as a “great and noble undertaking.”

 

Ike was absolutely right – four relatively small armies attacking the most heavily defended stretch of coastline on Earth was without doubt, the most testing challenge imaginable……

 

Closely followed by me going dry for a whole month (well 29 days actually.)

 

In support of the Commando Spirit Appeal on behalf of the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund, I’m seeking sponsors to help me through my own personal, testing challenge. For the month of April, I pledge to shy away from alcohol entirely, not letting a single drop pass my lips until the evening of the 30^th (which just happens to be my Birthday!)

 

Now I realise that to some people, this may not seem like any sort of great or noble undertaking, certainly not one worthy of gathering sponsorship for – but for those of you who really understand my complex DNA, you will appreciate that me going without Peroni for 29 days is a bit like a fish riding a bike (hard to imagine and very, very rarely seen.)

 

So please, whatever you can comfortably afford, throw into my pot and help support the most noble of charities. I aim to raise £600 to contribute towards my Companies bigger push for £15,000.    

 

As we go about our everyday lives, we often forget the sacrifices being made every hour of every day on our behalf, by the bravest of the brave – the British and Commonwealth forces serving overseas.

 

In 1944 British Commandos were at the vanguard of the Allied invasion of Europe. Likewise today, our brave Royal Marine Commandos are leading the fight against tyranny and global terror, each of them prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice to help make our world a safer place. A place where people like you and I can enjoy a drink without worry or care.

 

Please, help me and help them.