A random act of kindness has helped warm the festive season for boaters in Milton Keynes, thanks to liveaboard narrowboater Andy Simpson, who is known to thousands through his popular @4boysonaboat social media channels.
Andy, who is raising his sons Oliver, Thomas and James alone following the death of their mother, documents family life afloat while promoting the importance of communication, wellbeing and community support within the waterways community.
After receiving a small grant, Andy decided to share the benefit with fellow boaters, donating a tonne of coal to help others stay warm during the winter months. Wanting to give something back, he turned the gesture into a community-focused initiative.
The project, called the Coal Kindness Walk and backed by Drop Dead Generous, saw Andy distribute free coal to boaters in the Campbell Wharf arearea of Milton Keynes. The delivery took place along the towpath, with volunteers and supporters helping to transport and hand out the fuel.
Photographer Kev Maslin, who was present to document the event, described the scene as a collective effort. He said Andy attracted a sizeable following, with around 50 individual bags of coal delivered to boaters. Some participants carried the 20kg bags by hand, others used trolleys, and even a rider on an electric scooter joined in to help with deliveries.
Alongside this initiative, Andy continues to use his social media platforms to advocate positive communication and connection. He is currently in the process of organising an outdoor men’s wellbeing circle in Milton Keynes, extending his focus on mental health and community support beyond life on the water.
