AN ARMY veteran has completed a 216-mile solo canal journey in a traditional wooden punt, raising more than £5,000 for soldiers, veterans and their families.
Bob “Foss” Wells, who served with the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, travelled from south Warwickshire to north Lancashire over 21 days, navigating 179 locks along the way.
Living aboard his 25-foot Oxford punt, Mayfly, for several weeks, Bob s set out from Stratford on June 27, with the goal of raising £5,000 for the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF), the Army’s national charity.
Thanks to generous online donations and contributions from people he met along the way, he not only completed the challenge but also exceeded his fundraising target.
Bob, who served in the Army from 1974 to 1977 with postings in Germany, Northern Ireland, Canada and the UK, undertook the challenge after retiring from a career in agriculture. Beginning his journey on Armed Forces Day, he combined his love of waterways with a desire to support the wider Army family.
Bob said: “The military need to know they are valued by the society whose values they protect. With that in the back of my mind, I was able to keep going when it got a bit tough.
“A real thank you to everybody who supported me.”
To mark his achievement, Bobwas presented with a special commemorative plaque by the ABF, engraved with his name in recognition of his outstanding fundraising effort and commitment to supporting the Army community.
Graham Whitehouse, West Midlands ABF regional director, added: “Robert Wells’ Mayfly Charity Challenge was more than an incredible physical feat—it was an act of compassion and commitment. .
“His determination, resilience and generosity made a real difference, and his achievement is an inspiration to us all.”
The funds raised will help the ABF continue providing lifelong support to members of the Army family facing hardship, injury, bereavement, financial difficulties and a range of other challenges.
