Retired major reaches halfway in home-made boat charity challenge

An 80- year- old retired Army major has reached the halfway mark in his charity challenge to row 100 miles at 2mph in his home-made boat.

Michael Stanley, who served in the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards for 35 years, created the boat, named the Tintanic, out of two sheets of corrugated iron, curtain hooks and hosepipe.

“Major Mick” has set himself the target of rowing it 100 miles along the Chichester canal in West Sussex and has now reached halfway.

He has raised more than £ 24 , 0 0 0 for St W i l f r i d ’s Ho s p i c e in Bosham, having hoped to collect just £1,000.

Mr Stanley said he was “absolutely astounded to meet this wonderful milestone. The work of the hospice is more vital now than ever”.

Alison Moore y, the hospice’s chief executive, said: “We are deeply grateful to Major Mick for his wonderful 100mile Tintanic challenge in support of St Wilfrid’s Hospice.

“At any one time we are supporting 330 patients here at our purpose-built hospice and with the majority in their homes, many of whom have been comforted by Ma j o r Mick’s story.

“The fundraising and awareness he builds for the vital work of the hospice in these challenging times is a timely reminder we can all do something to make a difference.”

Mr Stanley has released images of the construction of the Tintanic, including trial runs in a swimming pool and at sea.

To support him, visitjustgiving.com/ fundraising/majormick tintanic100challenge

Michael Stanley in his corrugated iron boat Tintanic.