Former soldier to row English Channel for Help for Heroes

Two brothers are due to team up to row across the English Channel in order to raise as much money as possible for military charity Help for Heroes.

Former soldier Nick Townsend, 30, from Portsmouth, was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade in 2007 while serving in Afghanistan, but he has decided he has what it takes to complete the challenge with brother Jason Rice, 44.

Mr Townsend said: "Jason works in the sailing industry, so he understands the nature of the tides, navigation while at sea and the busy shipping lanes, and I have the expertise on endurance [and] nutrition."

The pair are aiming to row from Weymouth on England's south coast to St Helier in a non-stop challenge that is likely to last 36 hours, the Littlehampton Gazette noted.

It will complete a remarkable turnaround for Mr Townsend, who had just minutes to live when he was hit by the grenade six years ago.