Eighty-year-old Major Mick to sail to Banff in homemade tin boat 'Tintanic II' to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK
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AN 80-YEAR-OLD retired Scots Dragoon Guard will sail to Banff in a homemade tin boat this month to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Major Michael Stanley, better known as Major Mick, set sail in "Tintanic" – made from two sheets of corrugated iron – in the first lockdown last year – rowing 100 miles up and down the Chichester canal to raise more than £44,000 for his local hospice in Bosham, Chichester.
After the hugely successful adventure Major Mick has taken his new and improved "Tintanic II" on the road for a tour of waterways around the UK.
He will row 100 miles on rivers, canals and open water from the south of England to the Highlands.
He will notch up some of those miles in the north-east, setting sail from Bridge of Alvah at 11am, on August 23, for Banff.
The Major and his boat have already been making waves in Henley, where he was joined by adventurer and broadcaster Ben Fogle, and around various rivers and canals in England and Wales.
Major Mick was inspired to take on the latest challenge after seeing the devastating effects of dementia on his friends and family.
He aims to raise £20,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK, which powers studies focusing on prevention, diagnosis and treatments for dementia.
Mick said: "I am impressed by the dedication and enthusiasm of the staff at Alzheimer’s Research UK who work tirelessly to raise money to support crucial research in our universities, hospitals and research laboratories.
"2020 showed us the importance of the incredible work that UK scientists, doctors and researchers are capable of, and with your support we can make a difference to find a cure for this distressing condition and the diseases that cause it."
There are almost 1 million people currently living with dementia in the UK.
Ian Wilson, deputy chief executive at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: "Our vital research is only made possible thanks to our incredible supporters, and we’re so grateful to Major Mick for supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK.
"Dementia affects a significant proportion of the population. One in three people over 65 in the UK will die with some form of the condition.
"Fantastic fundraising efforts like this will help us to make life-changing research breakthroughs for people with dementia."
Major Mick will set sail from the following locations this month: August 17 and 18, Edinburgh University Boathouse at 11am; August 20, Falkirk Wheel at 9.30am; August 23, Bridge of Alvah at 11am; August 27, Sutherland (IV27 4BE) at 11am; August 30, Inverness Rowing Club at 11am; August 31, Dores Inn, Loch Ness at 11am.
To sponsor Major Mick visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/majormick-tintanic.
