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ROWING CHALLENGE SUPPORTS HELP FOR HEROES28 Jun 2012
Dean Lillie 48, from Whitley Bay, a Pier Attendant at the Port of Tyne, is in training to take on the ‘The Four Lighthouse Challenge' to raise money for Help for Heroes.
The challenge is to paddle in sea kayaks from Souter Point Lighthouse in Marsden, to St Mary's Lighthouse in Whitley Bay, covering a distance of eight nautical miles, taking in South Shields and Tynemouth Lighthouse, operated by Port of Tyne.
Dean is an experienced canoeist and is training twice a week for the challenge taking place on 25 July.
Dean who is a Royal Marines Veteran, saw service during his 22 year career all across the world touring Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Sierra Leone and finally Afghanistan before he retired in 2007.
Dean said: "I am doing my best to raise money for Help for Heroes because while I was in service, I sustained various injuries. I'm fine now, but the care I received from the medical side of the Armed Forces was second to none.
"We hope to raise £2,000 for the charity and the Port of Tyne has helped by making a donation of £100. Everyone at work at the Port is being really supportive in helping me reach my target."
Geoff Gillon, Port of Tyne Director of Human Resources, said: "The Port of Tyne is more than happy to support Dean in his fund raising efforts for Help for Heroes and we wish him the very best of luck in completing the challenge."