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Landmines suck - I cant put it any better than that.

Most people live their whole lives without ever having to face the possibility that they will be killed or mutilated by something they tread on.

For others this fear is the background to their everyday lives.

While serving in Afghanistan as a Royal Marine Commando, I faced the possibility of ‘minestrike’. I returned safely, others were less fortunate. But mines do not distinguish between soldiers and non-combatants, and innocent lives are snuffed out or irrevocably changed on a daily basis by these indiscriminate weapons.

It would be impossible to eradicate landmines entirely - but that is no reason not to try.

Through this expedition I am seeking to raise the profile of this problem and those who are striving to make a difference.

Without having seen service with the Marines I would never have considered this undertaking - so in order to understand why I am doing this it may help to say a bit about the Corps:

I began recruit training with The Royal Marines on 31st March 2003. It took me almost a year to complete the commando course as mid way through training I broke both my feet and had to spend several torturous weeks in rehabilitation.

After passing out of training I was posted to 42 Commando, based in Devon. During this time I was sent on training exercises with the U.S. marines in America, and attended the jungle warfare school with reconnaissance troop in Ghana.

Thereafter I was posted to a unit near Glasgow where I had the opportunity to attend a close quarter battle course with the U.S. Marines in America, and the Arctic warfare course in Norway.

Before 3 Commando Brigade was sent to Afghanistan in 06’ I was able to return to 42 Commando, and with them saw front line service in Helmund province as a close combat company radio operator.

Service with the Marines was very hard at times, but hugely rewarding. The ethos of the marines, the atmosphere, and the degree of mutual reliance and trust, is something which is seldom found in other walks of life. To anyone who is considering joining the Corps, I would recommend it without hesitation.

I left the Marines on the 1st of May 2007, and immediately began working as a scuba instructor in Gibraltar. I had a fantastic summer in there - however in late August I decided that I wanted to do something of real value again, and I returned to England in early October to begin researching and preparing for this trip.

My experiences with the Marines has given me the best training possible for this kind of expedition. The commando course is the longest and toughest infantry selection course in the world, and it is through that experience that I have gained the outlook necessary to seek this kind of challenge.

The Royal Marines will be supporting my expedition - they have provided expert advice, media contacts, mapping, and they will be able to re-supply me in Norway as part of a NATO training exercise which 3 commando Brigade is involved in whilst I am there.