But Royal Marine and former Warwick School pupil Captain Rob Thorpe says abseiling 158m down Blackpool Tower as part of a challenge to raise money for injured war veterans will be more daunting.

Capt Thorpe will be one of 12 marines who will cycle from Land's End to John O' Groats, take part in the Blackpool event and also descend 90m down Clifton Gorge in Bristol during a 12-day challenge, which starts on June 1.

Capt Thorpe said: "It's going to be scary.

"I've been on the front line and had just about everything thrown at me.

"You kind of take it in your stride but I'm more nervous about dangling off a bit of rope than driving out of a gate in Afghanistan."

The bike ride and abseiling events will raise money for Help for Heroes which supports those injured in conflicts and their families.

Since it was formed 19 months ago the charity has made around £20 million.

Its two main causes are the Defence Medical Rehabilitation centre at Headley Court near Epsom, Surrey, and the Royal Centre for Defence Medicine at Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham.

Among those taking part in the same challenge as Capt Thorpe is Colonel Pete Taylor, who was shot in the leg during a training exercise in the 1980s.

Capt Thorpe, whose friend was "horrifically" injured by a bomb blast in Afghanistan last year, said: "It is a huge opportunity to crack a challenge – I'm not at all into cycling. I bought my first-ever bike just recently.

"The fantastic thing is we are doing it for such a good cause.

"We are hoping to raise £30,000 so we can help the guys we know."

Members of the fundraising team will collecting donations from spectators in Blackpool on June 6.

They have already made £15,000 for the cause.

Donations can be made by visiting www.rmcycle.co.uk