In July 2010, Helen Castree, from Shrewsbury, completed a 16k swim to raise funds for Help for Heroes after a friends brother, Captain Nick Beighton was seriously injured (in October 2009) by an improvised explosive device whilst on foot patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan.

Nick lost both his legs and broke his pelvis in the incident, if it was not for the heroic actions of a fellow soldier who was on patrol with Nick he would have died at the scene. Since then Nick has had treatment in the critical care unit at Selly Oak Hospital and has progressed through his rehabilitation at Headley Court in Surrey including learning to walk on his prosthetic limbs.

Along with regular training sessions, in order to build up to swimming 4,000 metres without stopping, and also building up her fitness to swim the 16,000 metres in four days, Helen has also been collecting sponsorship from family, friends, work and business networking clients.

Helen has also spent weekends collecting in local supermarkets. As a result, Helen has raised £3,250 in just under twelve months.

Helen would just like to thank all the people who have supported her and she plans to continue to support this cause. If you would like to donate, even if it is a tiny amount, please visit www.justgiving.com/Helen-Castree