Retired army major casts off on ‘Tintanic’ adventure for a West Sussex hospice
He is aiming to raise £5,000.
A retired army major has taken to the Chichester Canal in a home-made corrugated iron boat for charity.
Mick Stanley, 80 years old and from West Wittering, is already 20 miles into his challenge for St Wilfrid's Hospice in Bosham.
Christened the ‘Tintanic’, the metallic vessel has undergone its own sea trials at Wittering’s beach and Bosham harbour prior to starting the 100-mile challenge.
Major Mick told Greatest Hits Radio West Sussex:
"Initially it didn't have any stability and tended to turn upside down.
"The first couple of times I was rudely put into the sea!
"Now it is up and running and seems to work quite well.
"I expect that it will complete 100 miles."
He will leave Hunston every Saturday and Wednesday at 11am, and return from Chichester Basin, to complete the total distance of 100 miles over the coming months.
As of Thursday (1 October), Mick had already sailed through his initial target and is now on toward a new £5,000 target.
So far, he has raised more than £3,300.
Alex Burch, community fundraising manager at St Wilfrid’s Hospice, said:
"We are very proud so many people like Major Mick are willing to get active for St Wilfrid’s, finding new and exciting ways to support end of life care in their local community.
"Thank you, Major Mick, stay safe and dry on your voyages!"
Anybody who would like to show their support for Major Mick is encouraged to wave and snap a picture with the #Isawthetintanic if they see him on the canal.
Donations can be made online via his JustGiving page.