Mark Ormrod MBE: Triple amputee makes swimming record attempt

A veteran who lost both his legs and his right arm in an Afghanistan bomb blast may have won the world record for the fastest triple amputee 1km swim.

Former Royal Marine Mark Ormrod MBE, from Plymouth, suffered the catastrophic injuries when he stood on a landmine in 2007.

Mr Ormrod completed his time in about 35 minutes and is now waiting for confirmation he has beat the record.

He said it "wasn't too cold" and he "enjoyed it".

The swim in Plymouth earlier marked 15 years since the incident.

Money raised will go to Reorg, which helps people from the armed forces and emergency services suffering from physical and psychological trauma.

Mr Ormrod said: "We're helping to change and save people's lives, give them a new purpose and a new focus."

Sam Sheriff, founder of Reorg, said: "It's been incredible. We've been able to change hundreds of lives because of Mark and his endeavours."

In March Mr Ormrod raised more than £150,000 in a 5km (3.1m) run using prosthetic legs.

In May he completed another swim and in October he did a 99.9 mile overnight cycle challenge.

Follow BBC News South West on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].