Former marine to paddle 8 miles for H4H

A former marine is going to paddle a kayak from South Shields to Whitley Bay in order to raise money for Help for Heroes (H4H).

Dean Lillie will start the Four Lighthouse Challenge on July 25th and hopes to collect as much cash as possible for the armed forces charity, the Shields Gazette reports.

He works as a pier attendant for the Port of Tyne and is currently preparing himself to cover the eight-mile distance.

Explaining his decision to take to the water, Mr Lillie remarked: "While I was in service, I sustained various injuries. I'm fine now, but the care I received from the medical side of the armed forces was second to none."

He has set himself a target of £2,000 and admitted all his fellow employees are being very supportive.

Geoff Gillon, Port of Tyne director of human resources, said everyone who works with Mr Lillie wishes him the best of luck.

Posted by Simon Williams