A Budleigh Salterton dad-of-two is preparing to take on a unique challenge, land-skiing the length of the country to raise funds for injured troops.

Longboat Caf� owner Brent Hushon, 48, is gearing up to take part in a never-before-attempted quest to roller-ski more than 1,000 miles from John O’ Groats to Lands End.

The ex-Royal Marine is part of a group of five attempting the 10-day challenge, while raising funds for the Royal Marines Charitable Trust, and highlighting the Baton charity.

Brent, who left active service five years ago will, from September 20 to 30, team up with Colour Sergeant Steve Prosser, from Exmouth, First Warrant Officer Ginge Booth, from Exmouth, Second Warrant Officer Baz Gray, from Plymstock, and Sergeant Gary Richardson.

The group will carry with them the Baton – crafted from the handle of a stretcher used in battle to carry the wounded serving in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

The former Second Warrant Officer, from Budleigh, took up the sport more than a year ago, while some of his teammates are novices.

Brent has already raised �600 for the cause, thanks to donations from customers.

He said: “This has never been done in this country before. People have never tried to ski the length of the country.

“It’s going to be hard, I think.

“I am really looking forward to being back with the Royal Marines. It’s going to be exciting putting the Green Beret on again. It will certainly be taken and worn at various places, without doubt.”

To train for the event, the group last week roller-skied 86 miles in 11 hours from Plymouth to Budleigh Salterton.

Over the 10-day stretch, the five team members will each work in four-hour shifts on the roller skis, covering more than 20 miles each stint.

After leaving the set-off point, their route takes them through towns associated with the forces, including Arbroath, Newcastle, Liverpool, Bristol, Taunton, Honiton – home of the Baton – Exeter and Plymouth.

All funds raised will be donated to the charities, with the men financing their own trip and sleeping in tents en-route.

Brent added: “Having had the pleasure to travel with the Expedition Kumbu Challenge in 2009 to Everest Base Camp, I was fortunate to observe the quality of individuals that had been severely injured while on active duty.

“I was made to feel acutely aware of the future needs and support that must be given, because of the sacrifice made by those Royal Marines.”

l For more information about the challenge visit: www.RMRS1664.co.uk, to donate go to www.justgiving.com/RMRS1664 at the box outside the Longboat Caf�.