The search is on for a brave band of individuals who are ready to take on the ultimate challenge and show they have the commando spirit – all for a fantastic cause.

Participants are being sought for the Commando Spirit Series of once-in-a-lifetime challenge events which will help support the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund (RMCTF), beginning with ‘Escape the Dunker’ in Autumn 2011.

The Commando Spirit Series offers participants a rare insight into what it means to be a Royal Marines Commando today. Commando Spirit participants will get the chance to test their courage and character against some of the most formidable aspects of Royal Marines training, be buddied up with a former or serving Royal Marine to guide them through their experience, and help raise £1million for the RMCTF.

Escape the Dunker, set to take place in Autumn 2011, will see a small group of brave challengers take on the infamous ‘Dunker’ – a tough Royal Marines training exercise which simulates a helicopter crash at sea.

They will be strapped into a mock fuselage and thrust into water, in the dark, at great speed until completely submerged – escaping only by using the correct procedure.

TV presenter, former Royal Marine and Commando Spirit Ambassador Monty Halls says of the Dunker: "I vividly recall my first experience in the Dunker - my racing heartbeat and clammy palms as the waters rose around me. Although 100% safe it is nonetheless a great test of mettle, and a life enhancing experience for those who take part. You'll turn up trembling and swagger out beaming, ready to take on the world."

Participants in any of the Commando Spirit Series challenges will commit to fundraise for the RMCTF in order to take part in this unique opportunity, which will help to achieve the overall £1million fundraising goal.

The RMCTF has the widest purposes of any service charity, working to support those wounded and injured, as well as those still serving, by funding decompression activities, homecoming events and memorials. It also provides through-life support to those who have left the Corps or have lost loved ones in service.

Over the next 18 months, more Royal Marines than ever will be operationally deployed – 75 per cent of those serving. They will work in dangerous and difficult circumstances, leaving their loved ones behind, risking injury and their lives for our country.

Commando Spirit Patron Major General John Rose CB OBE Representative Colonel Commandant of the Royal Marines says: "The Commando Spirit Series will give participants a unique glimpse into the intensive training Royal Marine Commandos go through, and the real life experiences they are often faced with wilst they raise much needed funds for the RMCTF."

Sally-Anne Hunter, Commando Spirit Series Founder and Director, said: “The support we have had so far for the Appeal has been overwhelming and the rare opportunity to have a taste of what it means to be a Marine and have the support of your own Royal Marine buddy really sets the Series apart from any other challenge.

“Every participant in the Commando Spirit Series will have committed to face the challenge and raise significant sums for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund and the courage, determination and fortitude shown through this commitment will be a fitting tribute to those who risk their lives serving our country.”

For more information on the Commando Spirit Series or Escape the Dunker, please visit www.commandospirit.com.