Thanks for taking the time to look at our fundraising page. We lost my uncle, Chris Dooley (58), to a cardiac arrest on the 11th April 2023. His death was completely unexpected, as Chris was so physically fit and diligent when it came to health. It came as an appalling shock to all the people who knew and loved him.

My uncle Chris served a total of 34 years in the Royal Marines. To his fellow Marines, he embodied the core Commando qualities throughout both his military career and his brief life as a civvie:

- Courage. Get out front and do what is right.

- Determination. Never give up.

- Unselfishness. Team first, team mate second. Self last.

- Cheerfulness in the face of adversity.

Chris had only been retired for about 10 months when he died, and he was preparing to embark upon a journey across the world which he had planned over many years. He supported his favourite charity- the Royal Marines Charity (RCM)- to the very end.  

Chris was an incredibly important person in my life. I can only say that he was like a second father to me. Without Chris I wouldn't be the individual I am now. Like Chris, I also joined the military and completed the Commando Course, earning my Green Lid as he did. It made me feel like I'd won the lottery twice knowing that my uncle was proud of me.

Chris and I planned to travel across Japan together, often talking for hours about the adventures we would share journeying across that beautiful country. We sank more than a few pints as we waxed lyrical about the mountains, lakes and wild forests of Kyushu, Hokkaido and Okinawa. And so, in memory of my uncle Chris (BRUM) Dooley, I've taken on the extreme challenge of cycling from the very south of Japan to its northernmost reaches during March 2024. In doing so, I hope to raise £30,000 for the Royal Marine Charity.

The journey will take me roughly 4 weeks to complete. I will be camping most of the way, so there will not be much room for luxury.I am lucky to have my best Oppo, Emanuel Gramada, also making the journey with me. In the run-up to this momentous journey, we will be doing plenty of smaller fundraising events to get the ball rolling. Any and all support is massively welcome. Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you are able to help us out with any donations or suggestions, they will be very gratefully received.

Thanks again,

Danny Ensor

Aka Zulu Commandos 

RMA The Royal Marines Charity offers lifelong support to our serving RM personnel, our veterans and the wider corps family. Thankyou for your support and enabling us to continue our vital work where it is needed most.