Johnston, a quadriplegic with Duchenne's muscular dystrophy, made two dives with a technical support team off Key Largo, Florida on 14 November. Using a marinised ventilator, drysuit and full-face mask, he made 15-minute and 10-minute dives in a couple of metres of water.

The dives followed a familiarisation with sea diving off Florida's Tavernier Key the previous day.

Backed by dive professionals, physicians and marine engineers, Johnston's quest began in June 2004. Within a year he was experimenting with breathing under water in a pool and, between July 2005 and February 2006, gradually built up his dives times in the pool environment.

Numerous sponsors have supported the project. Johnston has campaigned relentlessly to achieve his scuba diving aim, providing progress reports on his dedicated project website (link below).

Related links

Matthew Johnston: Diving a Dream