Retired Scots Dragoon Guards Major Michael Stanley, better known as Major Mick, has been taking his Tintanic II homemade tin boat on a tour of waterways around the UK this summer.
Raising money for Alzheimer’s Research UK, the UK’s leading dementia research charity, Mick and his ramshackle vessel have visited canals and rivers across England, Wales and Scotland since setting off from Henley on Thames on 28 May, cheered on by adventurer Ben Fogle.
Now, on Wednesday 29 September, Ben will once again be supporting The Major as his adventure draws to a close. Sailing from Hunston Canoe Club to the Chichester Canal basin, Mick will be greeted by a reception committee which will include the Mayor of Chichester and representatives from the charities which have benefitted from his fundraising endeavors. He will then meet Ben at the Chichester Basin café for a special presentation.
Major Mick was inspired to take on this challenge after seeing the devastating effect of Alzheimer’s disease on his friends and family.
He has raised nearly £9,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK, which powers world-class studies focusing on prevention, diagnosis and treatments for dementia. There are almost 1 million people currently living with dementia in the UK.
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.”
To sponsor Major Mick visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/majormick-tintanic. For further information about Alzheimer’s Research UK, or to find out more about fundraising for the charity, call 0300 111 5555 or visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org
