Skip to content

Double amputee veteran swims across the Solent

Patrick HughesSouth of England
Angus McChesney Simon, sitting on the beach with his shirt off after completing the swimAngus McChesney
Simon Harmer completed the swim from Stokes Bay to Ryde in 1 hour and 40 minutes

A man who lost both his legs while serving in Afghanistan as a combat medic has swum from mainland England to the Isle of Wight.

Simon Harmer from Winchester said he believes he is likely the first double amputee to complete the 2.5 mile (4km) swim from Stokes Bay, Gosport to Ryde.

Taking on the challenge with him was 64-year-old Mark Ryan, who first met Simon at their local pool and suggested the challenge.

The men were also raising money for the charities Pilgrim Bandits, which supports injured veterans, and Winnall Rock School, which provides free music workshops for young people.

On the right is Simon Harmer wearing goggles and an orange swim cap and black swimming shorts. His legs have been amputated around the knee. To his left looking at him is Mark Ryan in a pink swim cap.
Simon Harmer lost both of his legs while serving in Afghanistan, but continues to swim regularly

"I've taken on this crazy challenge to swim across the Solent and we're doing it for two great charities," said Simon.

"I think - until I get proved otherwise - that I'm the first double amputee that's made the attempt."

He said the idea was formed after first meeting friend Mark at his local leisure centre, who asked if he'd ever swum the Solent.

"I said I hadn't, but I'm always up for a challenge," he said.

The pair completed their successful crossing in a time of 1 hour and 40 minutes.

The two men swimming in the sea, with ferries visible on the horizon
A support boat travelled alongside the two men as they made their crossing

Simon said the last 500m, where it became too shallow to swim - meaning he had to crawl - was particularly difficult.

"I was just lucky to dodge the jellyfish out there," he said.

He said he hoped the swim showed that "just because someone has restrictions doesn't mean they can't go and do things."

"Sometimes it takes a little bit more planning, sometimes you have to adjust things a little bit," he said.

"If you want to achieve something or overcome an obstacle, it's in everyone's gift to do that."

Mark is wearing a black t-shirt and has grey hair and a grey beard. He is standing on the beach facing away from the sea.
Mark first met Simon at a leisure centre in Winchester and suggested the challenge

Mark said that Simon was leading the swim and "dragging him home" in the second half.

"What does that tell you, really?," he said. "It's celebrating ability. It's not about disability, it's what you can do, and Simon is someone who shows what you can do in difficult circumstances."

"I'm quite proud of myself, as well, at 64," he said. "It was really hard, really satisfying."

"I'm just so pleased to see Simon get across - what an awesome guy."

More stories like this