Bob “Foss” Wells, a veteran of the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, is taking on an extraordinary fundraising challenge for the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF), travelling over 200 miles along the UK’s canal network in a traditional punt to mark Armed Forces Day on 27 June.
Foss served in the Army from 1974 to 1977, with postings in Germany, Northern Ireland, Canada and the UK.
After retiring from a career in agriculture, Foss found himself looking for a new project. Combining his passion for the water with a desire to give back, he decided to undertake a unique fundraising journey.
The challenge will see him travel from Stratford-upon-Avon to Tewitfield (which is on the Lancaster Canal, near Kendal), navigating around 216 miles and 179 locks. Along the way, Foss will live aboard his 25‑foot Oxford punt, Mayfly, for several weeks.
“I like boats, I like water, I like a journey and this is what I can do on my own.”, he says. “To be able to do this on my own is helpful because I can just get on with it.”
Foss chose to raise funds for the ABF because of its wide-reaching support across the Army family. He says, “There was a need. “The fact that the ABF funds 93 other charities and organisations says it all.”
Foss will be setting off on Saturday 13 June and the journey is expected to take around four to five weeks, with Foss aiming to travel around 10 miles a day. Along the way, he hopes to meet people, share stories, and raise awareness as well as funds.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting lots of people and talking to them, and hopefully some veterans as well.”, he says. “Everyone has their story and it would be great to share stories with ex‑militaries.”
Sleeping and living on board, Foss will be undertaking the journey largely solo, with occasional support from his wife and friends along the route. “I’ll be sleeping aboard Mayfly; essentially I’m camping on board.” he explains.
Through this ambitious journey, Foss hopes not only to raise vital funds but also to highlight the importance of supporting the Armed Forces community.
You can support Foss’s incredible fundraising journey by leaving a donation here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/foss-wells-4