A RETIRED army major will embark on a fundraising adventure in a handmade tin boat in aid of Ukrainian children.

Mick Stanley, who is otherwise known as Major Mick, is rowing down the River Hamble on Thursday in his Tintanic II.

Major Mick has previously sailed in various locations in the south, including the Beaulieu River, as part of his fundraising efforts.

The 82-year-old is set to sail from Fairthorne Manor Nursery to the Royal Southern Yacht Club on Thursday in aid of charity Children on the Edge.

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He said: “I set out to raise £5,000 but so far, with Gift Aid, I have raised £11,500.

“I made the Tintanic at the beginning of lockdown, using two sheets of corrugated iron. I wanted something to do in those early months.

“I have found something people enjoy and are amused by and it gives me great pleasure to talk about the boat, whether people are old or young.

“There’s no barrier or reservations when I talk about it.”

The veteran, based in West Wittering, raised £63,000 in the past for charity and is hoping to add to that impressive total with his latest challenge.

Mick said: “I have fun and it’s fun for other people.

“It gives me pleasure doing and talking to people about it. Plus, it gets me out of doing the washing up.”

To support Mick, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/tintanicforukraine

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