AN ARMY veteran has kicked off an epic solo charity canal trip from Stratford.
Bob “Foss” Wells, who served with the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, is travelling more than 200 miles across the UK’s canal network in a traditional wooden punt from Stratford to Tewitfield on the Lancaster Canal near Kendal.
Living aboard his 25-foot Oxford punt, Mayfly, for up to five weeks, Foss will take on the challenge largely alone – covering around 10 miles a day – in aid of the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF), the Army’s national charity.
Foss, who served in the Army from 1974 to 1977 with postings in Germany, Northern Ireland, Canada and the UK, was inspired to take on the challenge after retiring from a career in agriculture.
Combining his love of water with a desire to give back, he set his sights on a unique fundraising journey.
Foss said: “I like boats, I like water, I like a journey, and this is something I can do on my own. To be able to do it independently means I can just get on with it.”
Throughout the journey, Foss will eat, sleep and live aboard Mayfly, describing it as “essentially camping on the water” with occasional support from his wife and friends along the route.
He chose to fundraise for the ABF because of its wide-ranging support for the Army community.
He continued: “There was a need. The fact that the ABF funds 93 other charities and organisations says it all.”
Foss is aiming to raise £5,000, with donations already starting to come in after he set off on Saturday (June 13).
Along the way, he hopes to meet people, share stories, and connect with fellow veterans.
He added: “I’m really looking forward to meeting lots of people and hopefully other veterans as well. Everyone has their own story, and it would be great to share those.”
Visit www.justgiving.com/page/foss-wells-4 to donate.
