Blesma Member Lee Menday completed the Swim Serpentine in an incredible 30 minutes 55 seconds and raised an amazing £1,545 for fellow limbless veterans.
Lee, 57, from Saxmundham, Suffolk, decided to take part in the swimming fundraising event as he needed a new challenge and swimming is a sport that helps with the rehabilitation for his injuries.
“The swim was absolutely fantastic and I am very pleased with my time, especially as I’m no spring chicken," said Lee.
“I was quite nervous the night before the swim, especially as I knew I would be leaving my leg behind in the swimmers baggage and then having to use crutches to get myself to the start line, but once I entered the water, everything was fine".
In 1984 Lee badly injured his ankle whilst serving with the Royal Navy on deployment in the Falklands. He suffered 20 years of pain and ongoing operations, before deciding to have his lower left leg amputated in 2004 and last year he had a major operation on his other leg. Lee was unable to walk for several months and when he started physio, he knew the swimming pool was the best place for Lee to be.
“Swimming doesn’t put pressure on either of my legs, so it is safe for me to do. It has helped me in many ways; mentally, wellbeing, giving me a goal and focus, great exercise, both physical and cardio vascular and great recovery for my legs.”
In preparation for the 1.6k swim, Lee trained twice a week at either his local pool or local open water swimming lake and said every step of the way his wife, Susan, had been there encouraging & supporting him. Lee was also full of praise for the organisers of the event.
“It was great to see how well organised everything was on the day. They even had a great team dedicated to facilitating the safe entry and exit of the water for swimmers with disabilities".
Lee plans to now continue swimming as a hobby but wouldn’t say no to the odd race and will be back to swim another Serpentine event next year.
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