This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-26902470

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Navy amputee begins kayak coast challenge Navy amputee begins kayak coast challenge
(35 minutes later)
A Royal Navy veteran who had his left leg amputated above the knee has set off in a kayak in a bid to paddle around the coast of mainland Britain.A Royal Navy veteran who had his left leg amputated above the knee has set off in a kayak in a bid to paddle around the coast of mainland Britain.
Richard Hunt, from Fareham, Hampshire, set off from Royal Clarence Marina in Gosport at 05:00 BST.Richard Hunt, from Fareham, Hampshire, set off from Royal Clarence Marina in Gosport at 05:00 BST.
He expects the challenge will take 100 days of paddling, plus rest days.He expects the challenge will take 100 days of paddling, plus rest days.
Mr Hunt, 43, has been provided with a fully waterproof prosthetic limb to help him balance in his kayak and improve his speed and stability.Mr Hunt, 43, has been provided with a fully waterproof prosthetic limb to help him balance in his kayak and improve his speed and stability.
He has been training for 13 months for the 2,300-mile trip (3,702km) using a sit-on-top kayak.He has been training for 13 months for the 2,300-mile trip (3,702km) using a sit-on-top kayak.
Record attemptRecord attempt
He said: "I have not been scared at all; I have just been excited to get going.He said: "I have not been scared at all; I have just been excited to get going.
"I know it's going to be difficult, I know it's going to be painful and at times it's going to be dangerous, but I am not scared. I feel I am fully prepared."I know it's going to be difficult, I know it's going to be painful and at times it's going to be dangerous, but I am not scared. I feel I am fully prepared.
"My motivation for doing this challenge is that it's always important in life to have goals - it could be, if you're disabled, to get out and get yourself to the shops or maybe to the gym or something like my goal.""My motivation for doing this challenge is that it's always important in life to have goals - it could be, if you're disabled, to get out and get yourself to the shops or maybe to the gym or something like my goal."
The father-of-two had his leg amputated after 20 unsuccessful operations following a rugby accident. The father-of-two had his leg amputated in 1995 after 20 unsuccessful operations to correct a knee injury sustained playing rugby.
He is raising money for Blesma, a charity which helps servicemen and women who have lost limbs.He is raising money for Blesma, a charity which helps servicemen and women who have lost limbs.
If he completes the challenge, he would break the current record for the longest solo kayak journey held by ex-Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton on the Amazon river for Comic Relief.If he completes the challenge, he would break the current record for the longest solo kayak journey held by ex-Blue Peter presenter Helen Skelton on the Amazon river for Comic Relief.