A DAREDEVIL will be taking part in a charity training exercise designed to test the military’s most elite force.

James Hewitt is taking on the final test faced by Commandos before they gain their green beret.

The Commando Spirit Survive the Yomp challenge recreates one of the most difficult training exercises encountered by the Royal Marines.

James, 30, of Chinook, Highwoods, Colchester, will test his endurance to the limit by attempting the challenge – a 30- mile trek through the rugged and remote Scottish Highlands.

He will be wearing a full pack weighing 40 pounds, simulating the exact weight a Marine would be expected to carry on this training exercise.

In the Commandos pack, there would be a rifle and ammunition, but James will be making up this weight by filling his pack with dumb-bells and weights.

Not only this, but James will be attempting to finish the 30-mile trek in eight hours – the expected completion time for training Marines.

The challenge will take place in and around Spean Bridge in Scotland, home to the Commando Memorial and Achnacarry Castle.

Participants will follow in the footsteps of thousands of Royal Marines who trained in the unforgiving terrain.

The area has been used for training since the Second World War and is famed for being rugged and remote.

James will be raising money for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund, a group devoted to helping wounded and recovering Marines.

Aircraft fitter Mr Hewitt said: “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will push me to the absolute limit, but the thought of raising so much money for such a worthwhile cause will give me the willpower to get through.

“I’ve already had a lot of support from family, friends and colleagues and now I’m hoping the people of Essex will get behind me too and sponsor my efforts to raise a fantastic sum.”

The event holds an extra importance this year as it marks the 75th anniversary of the formation of the British Commandos.

Major General Martin Smith, Commandant General of the Royal Marines, said: “I am delighted Survive the Yomp will take place in Commando Country and take us back to our old yomping ground.

“I wish all participants the best of luck, and extend my gratitude for their tremendous fundraising efforts.”

For more information on the Commando Spirit Appeal or to take part in Survive the Yomp, click here. 

To donate to Mr Hewitt’s Justgiving page, click here.