Bomb-victim soldier to cross Channel in charity challenge

A SOLDIER who broke his back in a bomb explosion in Afghanistan is preparing to cross the English Channel with a North Yorkshire diving team for charity.

After nearly two years of rehab, Pete Brooks, 27, will join two Scarborough firemen and a diver from Scarborough Sub Aqua Club (SSAC), for a 10-hour crossing of one of the world’s busiest waterways – on a sea scooter.

Mr Brooks and firefighters Paul Swales and Will Warwick, along with dive leader Heath Samples, hope to write themselves into the Guinness Book of Records and raise money for services charity Help for Heroes and the RNLI Scarborough.

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On August 20, in dry suits and thermal under suits, the men plan to cross nearly 20 miles of Channel in relays, clinging to one of the four torpedo-shaped, battery-powered Sea Doo sea scooters for around 90 minutes.

The Four Muscooteers will leave Shakespeare Beach at Dover and arrive at Cap Gris-Nez, the closest point of France to England, around 10 hours later.

Mr Brooks, who has rrejoined 101 Engineer Regiment in Essex, said: “I have always been good at swimming and I don’t mind staying in the water for long periods. It’s been a long haul getting back to fitness, but definitely been worth it.”

His convoy vehicle was blown up by an improvised explosive device.