Bernie Shrosbree in footsteps of The Heroes of Telemark. (From Thisisdorset)

Bernie Shrosbree in footsteps of The Heroes of Telemark.

7:00pm Saturday 13th March 2010 in

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A POOLE fitness trainer is to tackle an epic 1,000km cross-country skiing marathon to raise money for the Royal Marines Benevolent Fund.

Bernie Shrosbree, who has worked with elite sportsmen like James Cracknell and Jenson Button, is part of a 15-strong team tackling the freezing challenge.

The team comprises Marines past and present as they aim to retrace the route taken by Norwegian commandos on one of World War Two’s most crucial sabotage missions.

The story of the raid on a Nazi atomic weapons plant was immortalised in Kirk Douglas film, The Heroes of Telemark.

Mr Shrosbree, who lives in Lilliput, is a former SBS man and said the Marines fund had become a bit of a forgotten cause.

He said: “Charities like Help for Heroes are great but have flattened ours really.

“A lot of the guys taking part have very personal stories.

“We feel it is important to support the Corps fund, which is there to support them in their time of need.”

Titled Ex Tusen Takk (A Thousand Thanks, in Norwegian), the challenge will average 50km a day, taking around 20 days to complete.

Sir Ranulph Finnes, the British adventurer who has conquered the Antarctic and Everest, has agreed to be patron of the challenge.

He said: “I know from my own experience it will test endurance, determination, teamwork and cheerfulness in the face of adversity to the limit.

“To do this for three needy charities is commendable.”

Cancer charities MacMillan and CLIC Sargent will also benefit from the fundraising mission.

To donate or read more about the expedition go to tusentakk.co.uk.

Fitness First in Poole has donated £2,500 to the support the team on the challenge.