Norfolk man to sail on the River Thames for ShelterBox

Paul Weatherill's passage will last for three days and aims to raise money for ShelterBox, an international charity providing emergency housing for those displaced by disaster worldwide.

The 69-year-old said he had a history with tents and marquees dating back to when he left school at 15, hence his interest in ShelterBox.

Adventurous 69-year-old to sail River Thames on homemade dinghy (Image: Submitted)

"I'm also an adventurer at heart and love sailing," he added.

During lockdown, inspired by his passion for sailing and helping others, Mr Weatherill transformed one of ShelterBox's old green boxes into a river-worthy vessel for solo missions.

He said: “It’s great to do something so enjoyable whilst doing my bit for such an important cause.”

ShelterBox's mission is to provide post-disaster relief in the form of shelter, water filters and other necessary items like mosquito nets and solar lights.

This venture is not Mr Weatherill’s first.

In fact, it will be his third solo voyage raising money for ShelterBox.

Past trips through the Norfolk Broads and from Stratford-upon-Avon to Tewksbury generated £5,500 in total.

ShelterBox aid is being distributed in Gaza where 1.7 million people have been affected by conflict (Image: Submitted)

"This time the Thames was calling," he said.

His route starts at Henley and will involve stops at rowing clubs in Marlow and Eton, before he reaches Shepperton Lock on day three.

The expeditions have earned Mr Weatherill support from family, friends, and other ShelterBox champions, sparking donations through his JustGiving page.

Fiona Turner, from ShelterBox, said: “It’s great to hear that Paul will be back on the water in an upgraded ShelterBoat.

“We rely solely on public donations and are extremely grateful to people like Paul who give up their free time to raise funds and awareness of the issues people are facing around the world."