A charity fundraising 24-hour ‘scubathon’ has raised over £8,000.

Organiser, James Neal, is delighted the ‘phenomenally successful’ attempt, will bring much needed help to the charity, Headway.

It is a charity close to James heart. When he sufferered a devastating subarachnoid haemorrhage, Headway supported him during his initial recovery.

James, from Symonds Yat, said club members’ fund raising activities and sponsorship raised in excess of £6,500. James said: “We have a large number of items to auction and raffle and this is taking place presently. So the final amount will be known soon, but it could actually be well in excess of £8,000.”

One of the divers taking part in the scubathon, Graham Weston, said he was proud to be part of something epic: “It was truly an amazing 24 hours that brought us all together as a club. The months of planning and hard work on your part certainly paid off - a great achievement. I also think it was a great opportunity for us to support James as he supports us as a club.”

As well as supporting Headway, James wanted to raise awareness of brain injuries. He credits his friends at the Cheltenham Sub Aqua club for getting him through his illness.

James said: “The ’force’ was strong when professional divers and novices came together from around the UK to stand up for a very important charity. The event has shown that the team spirit and good-naturedness of the diving community is making a positive difference in the world. I think this brilliant event has uncovered the tip of the iceberg in terms of what divers can do for their communities.”