'Oarsome' achievement as Major Mick's 100 mile Chichester Canal Challenge ends

The former British Army Major, 80-year-old Mick Stanley, of West Wittering, first set off from Hunston back in September with the aim of raising £5,000 for St Wilfrid's Hospice.

More than three months later and he has mightily surpassed his original goal and hopes to raise much more as his home-made vessel, the 'Tintanic' is set to go up for auction this evening.

Twice a week or more, Mick rowed for three miles up and down the popular waterway and has now raised more than £33,000 for the charity. You can still donate here.

Speaking to this newspaper, he said: "I'm very pleased to have finished the challenge.

"I'm very pleased that we have managed to raise so much money. I am absolutely astounded at the amount of money that has been raised and I am so grateful to them all. It's so generous of people to give like they have done, especially with Christmas coming up and people's uncertainty with jobs so it has been really rewarding from my point of view.

Tailing behind him on his final trip was another smaller boat carrying a little Father Christmas statue made by Mick as 'an added touch of Christmas'.

"I'm very contented to have now finished the challenge. I have really enjoyed talking to people on the towpath and now that weather is turning nasty, the weather isn't very pleasant to row in and the people aren't walking about as they were earlier in the year."

Mick said he will miss the banter he had with passersby who would cheer him on and make donations from the towpath.

He added: “I am very proud to accomplish this mission I set myself for St Wilfrid’s Hospice, It’s been wonderful talking to passersby on each canal trip, it’s been a joy to bring a smile to so many peoples day – and also hear how many lives have been touched by the Hospice in such a positive way.

"I feel that I have done as much as I can to raise money for such a good cause and hopefully I might thing of another thing to do for a similar sort of adventure."

Mick said he has 'plenty of ideas' on what to do next, but for now, he will continue work on his military history book.

At any one time St Wilfrid’s Hospice is proud to support around 330 patients with end of life care, the majority in their own homes.

Alison Moorey, chief executive for St Wilfrid’s Hospice said: “We are so grateful to have local heroes like Major Mick prepared to get active for St Wilfrid’s.

"St Wilfrid’s Hospice receive just 16% of its funding from the NHS, and relies on the ongoing support of the public to raise £7.8 million each year.

"His commitment and creativity has brought some festive cheer to so many. We also thank all those who have so generously donated to the Tintanic challenge.

"These vital funds will support many patients and their loved ones needing compassionate care.”

The £33,300 tally raised so far is enough to fund over 20 days of the Hospice at Home’s service or provide a ward nurse for 49 days.

Nautical enthusiasts or those looking to own an internationally celebrated conversation piece can look forward to bidding on the ‘Tintanic’ EBay auction, from 8pm on 18th December.

The vessel, complete with bailing out can, will be listed on the Hospice’s EBay shop until 8pm Monday 28th December at www.ebay.co.uk/str/St-Wilfrids-Hospice-Chichester