Training on the cliffs for their charity challenge are, left to right, Rupert Hague-Holmes, Nigel Govett, James Tracey and Ian Smith. (Picture by Adrian Miller, 0792970)

FOUR bank workers are preparing for the challenge of a lifetime.

On Saturday, a team from Close Bank will join the Royal Marines to run 30 miles across Dartmoor carrying 30lb of kit.

Only two civilians are known to have completed the gruelling course. Sir Jimmy Savile did it in the 1970s and was awarded an honorary Commando Green Beret by the Royal Marines. The other was former Blue Peter presenter Gethin Jones.

Rupert Hague-Holmes, 43, legal director at Close, was behind Run for Charlotte, which aims to raise £40,000 for Smile4Rich, the charity associated with the Wessex Neurological Centre in Southampton.

His daughter, 13-year-old Charlotte, was successfully treated there when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour in December.

He and three work colleagues – Ian Smith, 34, James Tracey, 29, and 35-year-old Nigel Govett – took to the south coast cliffs to prepare for the challenge.

‘It is a great reason to get fit and raise money at the same time,’ said Mr Tracey.

Both he and Mr Smith had personal reasons for taking part.

‘My mum had a brain tumour for 25 years before doctors picked up on it,’ said Mr Smith.

Mr Tracey’s uncle was diagnosed with a brain tumour at 13, the same age as Charlotte, and suffered life-changing side effects. And his grandfather died of a neurological aneurism.