Lt. Colonel Gary Green outlines the Royal Marines 1664 Challenge to Exeter Enterprise Rotary Club

In a moving presentation to Exeter Enterprise Rotary Club, Lt. Colonel Gary Green spoke about how he responded to a personal tragedy in his own life caused by the death from cancer of his wife four years ago. Rather than do nothing, he saw this as a unique opportunity to raise money initially to thank those who cared for his wife, by doing a 1,000 km ski challenge.

Having completed this challenge, he then decided to create a challenge which would involve Commandos raising money for Commandos. Out of this came the idea of the 1664 Challenge. He realised that in 2014, the Corps of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines will celebrate their 350th anniversary. So the challenge is for Royal Marine Commandos to ski, cycle, canoe, sail and run 6,656Km (circa 4,136 miles). The challenge will encapsulate the Commando spirit and Corps values in a significant physical and mental challenge. The challenge will raise much-needed money for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund (RMCTF) which helps, when others cannot.

Rotary has a theme for 2013-14: Engage Rotary and Change Lives and this challenge will certainly do this. President Claire remarked that this is why Exeter Enterprise Rotary Club is proud to engage with the 1664 Challenge and become part of Royal Marines history by doing its bit to support the challenge. You too can join Rotary and the Royal Marines in this extraordinary challenge by pledging your support at: http://www.1664challenge.co.uk/‎

If you would like to know more about Rotary please ring Nigel Harvey on 07793 817226.