Royal Marine Veterans Paddle The Falklands With Pod Of Dolphins

Surrounded by a pod of dolphins, two veterans of the Falklands conflict have finished their epic kayak challenge around the Islands.

Former Royal Marines Mick Dawson, 50, and Steve Grenham, 51, have successfully completed ‘The Cockleshell Endeavour’ by paddling over 120 miles in eight days to mark 35 years since the conflict.

They took on the physical test to raise awareness and money for charities that help those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), including The Royal Marines Charity. Mick said;

‘The whole thing was to do something that would be challenging to both of us – so that’s why we picked it. We wanted something that we’d have to concentrate and learn to do.’

One half of the team, Steve Grenham has been fighting a long battle with symptoms of PTSD, related to his service in both the Falklands War and tours in Northern Ireland, he said:

"I was still suffering from anxiety, couldn't keep a job down, struggling with a relationship ... Sitting around in groups with people I don't know doesn't work for me. So here we are, doing this, and this has helped me."

Prior to the trip both men were novice kayakers, but 18 months of arduous training paid off when they crossed their finish line. 

The pair began their journey in Port San Carlos and finished up in Port Stanley, visiting significant locations from the Falklands War along the way.