Charity fundraiser Wayne Ingram has completed a gruelling liferaft survival challenge after spending seven days and nights afloat in Portland Marina.

The ex-British Army Lancer and trained paramedic put himself through the hardship in order to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

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After seven days in a liferaft tethered to a buoy in the marina, Wayne was brought back to shore at 12.30pm on Monday, 25 May.

The 40-year-old, who wanted to simulate abandoning a boat at sea, survived on just one day’s worth of food rations and two day’s worth of water.

Wayne’s liferaft was fitted with a water collection device but it hardly rained during his challenge, meaning he was forced to ration his water to just 500ml a day.

He spread out the three Hot Pack self-heating meals he had, only eating the third one on Sunday, his last full day.

In an emotional video diary he recorded just before being brought back to shore, he said: “I’ve really pushed myself in food, in water…it’s a nightmare really. But I did say I would test myself. Do you know what? I can honestly say that I really have.

“If someone were to ask me if I would do it again, if it was for Great Ormond Street Hospital, I would say yes, definitely.

“Every time I’ve been there I’ve had tears in my eyes…just to see the love, care and attention the doctors, nurses and staff give the children and partners. To me it’s second to none.”

Wayne being interviewed by a reporter during his challenge

Wayne’s physical and psychological progress was monitored throughout the challenge by psychologist Dr Joe Costello and Professor Mike Tipton, a world authority on extreme survival both from the University of Portsmouth.

His body mass index was taken before and after the challenge and the results will be analysed as well as the daily blood sugar levels and urine samples that Wayne took himself while in the liferaft.

One immediate result measured was Wayne’s total weight loss over the week, which came to a staggering 17.6 lbs.

Wayne, who isn’t a sailor himself, is no stranger to charity work, having raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for individuals, a number of charities, and an orphanage in Africa.

During his time in the liferaft, Wayne posted daily video diaries, including his attempts to trap rainwater and eating a raw fish eyeball.

So far, he’s raised just over £5,000 of his £20,000 target, with donations still be accepted until 18 June.

To donate please visit his JustGiving page or by text LCXD63 £1 or more to 70070.