AN RAF veteran who was treated at Tedworth House has raised awareness about the centre by canoeing 125 miles.

This Easter weekend, Chris Hawes took on the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race to raise awareness of Help for Heroes.

Chris’ feat of endurance covered 125 miles over the four-day weekend, negotiating over 75 locks along the route, some of which had a 500-metre walk between them, creating an added test of physical and mental stamina for Chris and the team.

Chris was supported in the challenge by kayaking partner Ian McClune and other staff and residents from Help for Heroes-run recovery centre, Tedworth House.

Chris was medically discharged in 2005 having been diagnosed with chronic pain syndrome a year earlier.

The pain became so bad that Chris and his family made the decision to have his leg amputated in 2011.

Now Chris regularly attends the gym at the Tidworth recovery centre.

Ian McClune, adaptive sports coach and adventure training lead at Tedworth House, said of the weekend: “It was emotional. The locks were a particular challenge but we had a fantastic time.”

Chris and Ian were not being sponsored for this challenge but people can donate online at helpforheroes.

org.uk/donate.