AN Iraq War veteran, who lost both legs in a suicide bomb attack, is among the jubilant crew to complete a gruelling 3,000-mile cross-Atlantic rowing challenge.

Former Poole soldier Neil Heritage, one of the six men on the 29ft Row2Recovery, cross-ed the finish line, at Port St Charles, Barbados, yesterday.

The crew, that includes four injured soldiers and two able bodied servicemen, spent an epic 51 days at sea.

After father-of-two Neil was injured in 2004, doctors feared he’d never walk again.

But the kind of man who works as a member of a Royal Signals’ bomb disposal team, is not the kind to be written off easily.

Neil proved the experts wrong by not only walking, but teaching youngsters athletics at Wimborne’s Allenbourn Middle School.

Head of PE, John Dover, said: “Neil is an inspiration to our pupils and we followed his blog as they progressed.

“We’re all very proud of his achievement.”

Neil, who should be reunited with his family on Barbados today may have to learn to walk again.

Team spokesman Sam Peters said Neil suffered “significant muscle waste” on the voyage.

In the days before crossing the finish line, Neil said: “At times I have wondered what on Earth I’m doing out here, especially at the beginning.

“There have been parts I’ve really enjoyed, like when we were waiting on the water re-supply and only rowing at night.

“We got to know each other really well then because there was a lot of down time during the day when we were just chatting and chilling out.”

After finishing, crew member Lt Will Dixon said: “It has been an incredible journey.

“What drove us on is the thought of those who have fallen and been severely injured.”

n The Queen sent the following message to the crew: “Please convey my warm thanks to all the members of the Row2Recovery team on the occasion of them reaching the end of their row across the Atlantic, in aid of injured soldiers and their families.

“I heard of the trials and tribulations on your journey and, in return, I send my good wishes to you all for the successful completion of the challenge.”

The Row2Recovery mission

THE crew experienced technical difficulties including a broken auto-helm and a broken water desalinator.

• As they approached the finish they phoned patients and staff at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court, where four of them spent time recovering from their injuries.

• Their mission is to raise £1m to help injured servicemen and their families. Visit row2recovery.com.