A sponsored 24-hour scuba dive has been described as a “resounding success” by its organisers.

Two scuba divers from Cheltenham Sub-Aqua Club who have survived devastating brain injuries, led the fundraising event at Chepstow’s National Dive and Activity Centre last weekend.

The 24-hour underwater scubathon relay involved members of the club and raised money for charity Headway, which helps people who have suffered a brain injury.

People such as James Neal, 47, a BSAC advanced diver and open water instructor from Symonds Yat, who suffered a devastating subarachnoid haemorrhage following the rupture of an undiagnosed aneurysm, which led to a grade four bleed on the brain, and Neal Breeden 48, who also survived a brain injury, after suffering a major stroke nearly ten years ago, which left him needing to use a wheelchair.

The 24-hour dive began at midday Saturday (23rd September) and ended midday Sunday (24th September) with organisers hoping to raise £2,500. But after local and club support, the total looks set to reach a huge £7,500.

Mr Neal said in a message to the relay team: “I don’t think I’ve ever been quite so taken aback by anything as I was by the support that you guys have given this event and in so doing, Neal and myself.

“So much so in fact that upon surfacing at the end it was as much as I could do just to hold myself together. The upwelling of emotion was profound and unexpected. I’m deeply touched.”