Tintanic II: Major Mick set to complete tin boat fundraising journey

The 80-year-old has been using the trip to raise money for Alzheimer's Research UK.

Tintanic II: Major Mick set to complete tin boat fundraising journey STV News

A retired army major is preparing to complete his four-month long fundraising journey through the UK in a homemade tin boat.

Michael Stanley took the Tintanic II on a tour of waterways across Scotland, England and Wales in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK.

As well as Loch Ness, he also visited The Kelpies.

The former Scots dragoon guard major, better known as Major Mick, has been using the trip to raise money for the country’s leading dementia research charity.

The 80-year-old set off from Henley on Thames on May 28 when he was cheered on by adventurer Ben Fogle.

And as the major draws his adventure to a close in Chichester on Wednesday, Fogle will once again be attendance at a reception committee with the city’s mayor and representatives from the charities which have benefited.

Major Mick was inspired to take on this challenge after seeing the devastating effect of Alzheimer’s on his friends and family and has raised nearly £9000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Major 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.

Ian Wilson, deputy CEO and executive director of fundraising and communications 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.”

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