Hoofing down the Stour.
‘Hoofing’ is a marines term for something good!! The trip down the Stour, from Stourhead Gardens to the black house on Mudeford Sandspit in Christchurch Harbour was thought up to raise funds in memory of Royal Marine Adam Brown, godson of Mike and brother to James who accompanied Mike. Many months of planning were needed to obtain permission from various landowners before they were able to start their journey. Their journey along the Stour was not without problems, the major one being trees fallen into the river and blocking their passage. There was much carrying of the canoe around blockages. The journey took three days, camping out at night or staying with friends if possible. For the last stint across Christchurch Harbour they were escorted by boats from the Royal Marines. Funds raised from this challenge and other events total over £130,000 and have been used to purchase and refurbish a beach chalet at Mudeford as a holiday home for both disabled and able-bodied Royal Marines.