A NEWPORT soldier forced home from Iraq after suffering serious injuries nearly a decade ago took on the ultimate gym challenge for charity.

Neil Spencer, a former Royal Welch Fusilier, was injured when a car exploded just yards from him in Basra in April 2004.

The 33-year-old suffered severed tendons in his left arm, which has left him with 50 per cent use of his left hand, but decided to take on a 15 hour treadmill challenge at DW fitness in Newport.

On November 14 the father of two walked for 15 and a half hours on a treadmill with a 25lb backpack along with friend Lee Inker for the charity which supports those who have been wounded in Britain's current conflicts.

Mr Spencer and Mr Inker took on the challenge both walking and running of the gym treadmills, raising £300 for Help the Heroes and £200 for the Royal Gwent special care unit.

The former soldier also made the 55 mile long journey from Brecon to Cardiff Bay along the Taff Trail earlier this year for charity so felt “quite prepared” for the event.

“It wasn’t that hard but the blisters on my feet were definitely the worst part- I took a fair amount of painkillers,” Mr Spencer said.

“It was a mental battle as it was a long period to be stuck in one place.

“I decided to do it at DW as I am a member of that gym and the staff were really helpful when I asked if I could do it.

“They advertised the event for us and we had plenty of support from members as well as our family who cheered us on.”

The duo were in motion from 6.30am to 10pm with Mr Spencer covering a distance of 52 miles.

“We wanted to carry the 25lb back packs because we wanted to make it like an army event,” Mr Spencer added.

The pair will take part in the Taff Trail on February 21 to raise money and awareness for Casey’s Cause the charity which aims to educate the public of Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (“ITP”) a rare blood platelet disorder.