Simon Harmer, a former combat medic who lost both legs while serving in Afghanistan, has swum from the Mainland to the Isle of Wight.
He believes he is likely the first double amputee to complete the 2.5-mile (4km) crossing from Stokes Bay in Gosport to Ryde.
Mark Ryan, 64, took on the challenge alongside him, having first met Mr Harmer at their local pool.
Mr Ryan suggested the swim.
A chance meeting at the pool
Mr Harmer told the BBC,
“I’ve taken on this crazy challenge to swim across the Solent and we’re doing it for two great charities.
“I think – until I get proved otherwise – that I’m the first double amputee that’s made the attempt.”
He said the idea formed after he met Mr Ryan at his local leisure centre, where his friend asked if he had ever swum the Solent. He said,
“I said I hadn’t, but I’m always up for a challenge.”
Raising money for veterans and young musicians
The pair swam for two charities, Pilgrim Bandits, which supports injured veterans, and Winnall Rock School, which provides free music workshops for young people.
They completed the crossing in one hour and 40 minutes.
Mr Harmer told the BBC the last 500m was particularly difficult, once the water became too shallow to swim and he had to crawl. He said,
“I was just lucky to dodge the jellyfish out there.”
“It’s celebrating ability”
He said he hoped the swim showed that “just because someone has restrictions doesn’t mean they can’t go and do things.” He added,
“Sometimes it takes a little bit more planning, sometimes you have to adjust things a little bit.
“If you want to achieve something or overcome an obstacle, it’s in everyone’s gift to do that.”
Mr Ryan said Mr Harmer led the swim throughout, “dragging him home” in the second half.
He said,
“What does that tell you, really?
“It’s celebrating ability. It’s not about disability, it’s what you can do, and Simon is someone who shows what you can do in difficult circumstances.”
Proud at 64
Mr Ryan said he felt proud of his own achievement too, at the age of 64.
He said,
“It was really hard, really satisfying.
“I’m just so pleased to see Simon get across – what an awesome guy.”
