Helen, decided to take up the challenge after hearing that a soldier from Shrewsbury, Captain Nick Beighton, was seriously injured by an improvised explosive device whilst on foot patrol in Helmand province, Afghanistan which left him very seriously injured in October last year. 

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 returning to the UK on 7 October 2009, Nick spent 10 days in the Critical Care unit at Selly Oak hospital in Birmingham , during which time he had several operations. Since then he has progressed rapidly and has now commenced his rehabilitation in Headley Court in Surrey. 

Whilst in Selly Oak and Headley Court, Nick has been assisted by the incredible work of Help for Heroes, whose mission is to support wounded members of the armed forces. From providing little details, such as ensuring injured soldiers have clothes and toiletries up to raising money for the facilities at Headley Court where Nick is now learning to walk again. 

Helen said: “Being a soldier is unparalleled by any profession and very hard for those of us in a “normal” job to comprehend the astonishing daily risks these soldiers take.” 

“I swam a total of 16k, much more than I have ever swum before but it was the determination of Nick which pushed me to do this.” 

Helen said: “Training for the challenge went well, my target was to raise around £1,500 but with the final total so far reaching £2,020 I’, really pleased. 

“Its still not too late to sponsor me via http://www.justgiving.com/Helen-Castree.”