Corporals Deano Maughan and Paul Hewson set an early example and kick-started the abseil to the sound of the bugles from the Royal Marines Band Service. They will now be swiftly followed by the celebrities, BT employees led by Chief Executive Gavin Patterson, and charity abseilers who are all keen to follow their descent.

Speaking after the abseil, Corporal Deano Maughan said: “I am very lucky to have launched the Royal Marines’ 350th anniversary celebrations, a significant event in the Royal Marines history. It is a brilliant event and hopefully we will raise loads of money for charity.”

Corporal Paul Hewson added: “It was a privilege to take part in the launch and to help fundraise 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 CBE and Captain Jo Lane who was injured during training.

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