Though many of them had swapped their green berets for police helmets more than 20 years ago, 100 former Royal Marines now serving in police forces around the country speed marched 13.1 miles around London on 7 November 2009 to raise money for Royal Marines charities. Afterwards I sat with one of the men who inspired the Commando Cops.  Matt was shot twice while rescuing his section commander earlier this year in Afghanistan.  His main ambition is to return to his section in 42 Commando, but first he must complete the lengthy and gruelling process of physical rehabilitation.

We talked about the campaign in Afghanistan - the difficulty faced by the local people in choosing who to rely on, the value of infrastructure improvement and the challenges for political and military leaders.  Matt showed no bitterness, only a quiet generosity of spirit and the determination to return to duty as soon as possible.

As I listened I was struck how exactly Matt showed the traditional qualities of the Commando soldier: "courage, determination, unselfishness and cheerfulness in the face of adversity".

And as they rallied round Matt and the scores of other Royal Marines who have been injured in recent operations, the Commando Cops confirmed that other dictum "Once a Marine, always a Marine"!

Many congratulations to all involved in an exceptional fundraising effort.

With Acknowledgement to www.Bmycharity.com