Local MPs Christopher Pincher and Craig Tracey last week threw their support behind a group of mainly retired Shuttington villagers who made an ambitious trip in a home built canoe.
The Wolferstan Arms Philosophical Society (known locally as the Old Boys) were raising money for the St Giles Hospice, Mary Ann Evans Hospice and RNLI. The oldest paddler was 82 and the youngest 10.
The hand built canoe called ‘Herta’, built by event organiser Kurt Kovach, was paddled 32 miles all the way from Tamworth Castle to the Samuel Barlow pub at Alvecote Marina where it completed its journey.
All survived the challenge, although there were two incidences of paddlers falling in and one of running aground!
Christopher Pincher, MP for Tamworth, launched the canoe from the Castle car park at 8.30 a.m. on Saturday 10 September and the team were welcomed home by the local MP, Craig Tracey, organisers and many sponsors and friends at 5.30 on Sunday 11 September. Mr Tracey's wife, Karen, paddled for the last stage of the trip.
The team expect to raise over £2000 in donations to be divided between the three charities.
North Warwickshire MP and Shuttington resident Craig Tracey said:
“The Shuttington old boys have done our village proud raising money for good causes such as St Giles Hospice, Mary Ann Evans Hospice and Lifeboats. Our community has come together to get involved and contribute to this fantastic idea. I was delighted to be asked to launch the canoe last year and is great to see it being put to such good use"
Mr Pincher said:
“It was great to join the Old Boys and launch Herta on its maiden journey for a worthwhile cause. The money they raised will be warmly received and put to life saving use by both hospices and the RNLI.”