FOR more than 30 years, Britain’s canals have been a place of refuge, connection and joy for Mark Willis. But when the Whitchurch breach devastated the Llangollen Canal, closing a vital waterway and then demanding an immense, costly rebuild, it exposed just how fragile some blue spaces have become – and how heavily they now depend on public support to survive.
Watching fellow boaters and the Canal & River Trust rally to respond to the tragedy turned admiration into action. This summer, over 23 relentless days, Mark will walk 250 miles of England’s historic towpaths to raise vital funds for the CRT and another charity close to his heart, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home – organisations both facing rising costs at a time when they are needed more than ever.
His Kindness Amble, beginning on July 1, comes as Daisy Best – known in her native North Yorkshire as the queen of the canals – continues her quest to paddleboard all 3000 miles of the canal network to raise money and awareness for a leading mental health charity.
Supporters say both Mark’s and Daisy’s heroic efforts showcase the caring spirit of the canal community at large, and Mark in particular is hoping to lean on the legendary hospitality of the waterways.
The Kindness Amble will see Mark and his dog Nina the Chipoo battle long days, uncertain weather and physical exhaustion in a determined effort to turn every step into financial support, walking up to 15 miles a day, camping en route and sourcing food along the way. His journey will begin and end at Diglis Basin, in Worcester, following a route taking in some of the country’s most celebrated industrial and rural canal stretches and passing through well-known junctions and landmarks including Braunston, Foxton Locks, Hawkesbury Junction, Fradley and Autherley.
The endeavour comes as the CRT manages the longer-term consequences of the Whitchurch breach, as reported.
The 59-year-old said: “My wife and I have a very deep love for the canals and have spent many, many months on family boating holidays over the last 30 years. We have found that the people on the cut are the kindest and most supportive in the world; life on the water is a constant lesson in moving at a different pace.
“I am not an athlete; I am just a slightly overweight bloke with a small dog and a trolley, although, by the end of the walk I might have lost a few pounds! I love to talk, so if anyone sees me on my 250-mile amble, I hope they will stop for a natter.
“I will be camping along the route without a fixed itinerary for accommodation or meals, so I am relying on the kindness of those I meet. If you are wondering how Nina will manage, she will be travelling mostly in the trolley on her solar-powered cooling pad.
“I hope people will support me with a generous donation and maybe a few scraps of food in my direction too!”
More than £1500 has already been raised ahead of the start date, and Mark, from Malvern, has received a message of support from King Charles and Queen Camilla.
