AN RAF veteran kayaked 125 miles over the weekend to raise awareness of forces charity Help for Heroes.
Chris Hawes took on the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race, which saw him negotiate more than 75 locks, some of which had a 500-metre walk between them.
Mr Hawes was medically discharged in 2005 after being diagnosed with chronic pain syndrome a year earlier.
He had his leg amputated in 2011 and since then has regularly attended the gym at Help for Heroes-run recovery centre Tedworth House.
He was supported in his challenge by kayaking partner Ian McClune and other staff and residents from Tedworth House.
Mr McClune, adaptive sports coach and adventure training lead at the centre, said: “It was emotional. The locks were a particular challenge but we had a fantastic time and would love to do it all over again next year.”
The men were not sponsored for the challenge but, to support their effort, donations can be made online at helpforheroes.org.uk/donate.
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