Man with brain injury in charity kayak to Lundy

Brad has been training in a DIY kayaking simulator in his parents' barn

A man who was left with a brain injury following a cardiac arrest nine years ago is kayaking to Lundy Island for charity.

Brad Olde, 29, is taking on the 30km (19 mile) challenge from Lee Bay in north Devon.

Along with his brain injury, Mr Olde was also left with weakness in his left side.

He said: "I have always looked across at the island and thought it would be a dream to paddle over there."

Brad has plenty of support from his mum Sharon and his coach Paul Greenway.

Mr Olde had gone for a run near his home in Eastcott when he collapsed due to an undiagnosed condition, and his heart stopped for more than eight minutes.

His mum Sharon said he was very lucky to survive as only "one in 10 people do after a cardiac arrest like Brad's".

His trainer, Paul Greenway, has been helping him since he took up kayaking, encouraging him to fulfil "every sea kayaker's dream" of getting to the island.

He built Mr Olde a machine for practising his paddling and will be with him every step of the way on the water.

The date for the challenge has not been set and will depend on sea conditions.

He is raising money for local charities Active8 and The Wave Project, who provide support to people with disabilities in the South West.