Two Royal Marines launched both the Royal Marines’ 350th anniversary celebrations and a charity fundraising campaign by abseiling down the iconic BT Tower in London this morning.

The all-day event saw celebrities including TV presenter Helen Skelton, adventurer and honorary Royal Marines Lieutenant Colonel Bear Grylls, former Lion and England rugby world cup winner Ben Kay, former England rugby star Martin Bayfield and Olympic and world champion Mark Foster join members of the Royal Marines, BT staff and other fundraisers in a charity abseil down the BT Tower.

The abseil, a nail-biting 148 metres from the 31st floor of the tower, raised funds for Sport Relief and the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund.

Corporals Deano Maughan and Paul Hewson started the abseil to the sound of bugles from the Royal Marines Band Service.

Speaking after the abseil, Corporal Maughan said:

I am very lucky to have launched the Royal Marines’ 350th anniversary celebrations, a significant event in Royal Marines history. It is a brilliant event and hopefully we will raise loads of money for charity.

Corporal Hewson added:

It was a privilege to take part in the launch and to help raise funds for both Sport Relief and the Royal Marines Charitable Trust.

The event will wrap up this evening with even more Royal Marines abseilers, including their commander, the Commandant General, Major General Ed Davis, and Captain Jo Lane who was injured during training.

For more information about the anniversary celebrations or for details of how to support these 2 worthy causes please visit www.bt.com/bttowerabseil and www.royalnavy.mod.uk/rm350.