A SOLDIER badly injured in Iraq has completed a gruelling Devizes to Westminster canoe race.

Every Easter weekend hundreds take to the water in the Wiltshire town to take part in the 125-mile canal and river race.

This year was the 60th year the race has been run.

Taking part this year was Major David Bradley.

Paddling a two-man canoe with friend Steve Vinall, he raised more than £11,000 for Help for Heroes, a charity supporting service personnel wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The charity is currently trying to raise £6m to build a swimming pool and new gym complex at Headley Court tri-service rehabilitation centre in Surrey, where Major Bradley spent six months regaining the use of his right arm.

After completing the race in 27 and a half hours he said: "I feel tired but extremely satisfied. The hardest thing was the weather.

"I'm now heading home for the longest, hottest bath imaginable."

As well as the cold, rowers faced a head wind on the Thames over the last 20 miles.

Major Bradley said: "That really sapped the energy but we got through it.

"My hand and shoulder started to smart a bit.

"The target for this was to raise £12,000 and last time I looked on my fundraising website it was on £11,000."

The married father of two from Tidworth was given a five per cent chance of survival after being hit by two rocket-propelled grenades while rescuing colleagues in Basra in 2004.

Against the odds, the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment soldier pulled through, although he lost the sight in his right eye and part of his right shoulder and hand.

He set off from Devizes at 4pm on Saturday, arriving at Westminster, London, at around 7.30pm on Sunday.

Race participants paddled along the Kennet and Avon Canal before hitting the River Thames.

If you would like to contribute to the appeal, you can do so by visiting Major Bradley's website at :http://www.justgiving. com/davebradley.