An Army veteran who raised money for Ukrainian refugees by rowing a homemade tin boat across the country’s rivers has won a national fundraising award.

Michael Stanley, known as Major Mick, was named creative fundraiser of the year in this year’s JustGiving Awards after sailing 125 miles in the “Tintanic” to raise money for Children On The Edge.

The 82-year-old from Chichester chose to support the local charity after being saddened by the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

Major Mick donned a Union Jack suit and tie to row across lakes and rivers all over Britain in his boat, home made largely from two sheets of corrugated iron and decorated with British and Ukrainian flags. He raised more than £10,000 for charity.

Since 2020, he has rowed more than 350 miles in two iterations of his boat, meeting King Charles and former Prime Minister Boris Johnson along the way.

The Argus: Major Mick was named Creative Fundraiser of the Year at the awards ceremony in LondonMajor Mick was named Creative Fundraiser of the Year at the awards ceremony in London (Image: JustGiving)

After being presented with his award at an event in London, Mick said: “I have been called many names since I have been rowing my boat but the one I like the best is when a dishevelled and grunting teenager calls me “cool”. For me, this is the highest compliment I can be given.”

Reflecting on his rows over the years, he said: “When I built the boat, I didn’t really think about doing anything for charity but then felt it was a medium to do a bit of charity work and it really grew from there and I had no expectations of anything.

“I started it as a bit of fun and I continue to do it for fun.”

Major Mick plans to head back out on the water and continue his fundraising by rowing another 100 miles for the charity.

The Argus: Major Mick Stanley onboard the Tintanic IIMajor Mick Stanley onboard the Tintanic II (Image: JustGiving)

Pascale Harvie, president and general manager at JustGiving, said: “Huge congratulations to the wonderful Major Mick for winning creative fundraiser of the year.

“I, like many others, have been captivated by Mick’s Tintanic boat journey around the country.

“The dedication and creative effort he’s given for a cause he is so passionate about is amazing. He really is one of a kind.”