Invictus Games medal winner Joanna kayaks from city to city for the Fund

This weekend, Invictus Games medal winner Joanna Martin is taking on another epic challenge: kayaking from Glasgow to Edinburgh, in aid of the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Joanna is undertaking the mean feat alongside Lesley Serpell, in one double kayak. Michael Yeomans of 602 Sqn and Graeme Stewart make up another kayak, with both teams paddling in relay formation the length of the 55 mile course over two days.

The challenge begins this Saturday, when competitors depart from Speirs Warf, Port Dundas, Glasgow, and finish for the day at the Millennium Wheel, Falkirk – a distance of almost 24 miles.

Things kick off once again on Sunday above the Millennium Wheel and the locks of the new Falkirk Interchange on the Union Canal, with everyone finishing 31 miles later, just before Lochrin Basin, Edinburgh.

Former RAF nurse Joanna, from Helensburgh, sustained a spinal injury on an assault course during a training exercise with 612 Sqn in 2005.

"The RAF Benevolent Fund assisted me greatly in funding adaptations to my house," Joanna explains.

"These adaptations are essential for me to be able to live independently so I am forever grateful for the help that the Fund gave me and the difference that it has made to my life."

The Fund's very own Debbie Hunter and Zee Fletcher will join Joanna for the second day of the challenge, cycling alongside the canal to buoy spirits.

Zee Fletcher, Regional Fundraiser, said: "Joanna is a constant inspiration and I have been fortunate to have worked alongside Joanna during numerous presentations when she has told her story on her recovery and how she has helped others by sharing her experiences.

"Kayaking from Glasgow to Edinburgh is going to be an incredibly exhausting and challenging experience but I'm delighted to be part of it by cycling the final day with Joanna and giving her all the encouragement Joanna and her team deserves for taking on this challenge and raising money for the Fund!"

Joanna triumphed at the Invictus Games in Florida earlier this year, when she scooped five medals across three disciplines in the heat of Orlando. She won bronze in the handbike time trial, silver and bronze in rowing and two further bronzes in discus.