Bath Tub Canoe, Matt Hampson Foundation

We stayed on board Albert at Debdale Wharf on Wednesday night. As we waited for a lift home on Thursday morning a curious vessel was being launched opposite - a galvanised tin bath fitted with ice cream tubs on outriggers!



What was happening became a little clearer when we saw the sign on the side of the bath, it was part of the annual Matt Hampson Foundation charity walk from Rugby School to Twickenham.   We had come across this event before back in 2010. The walkers are accompanied by a small fleet of narrowboats which act as support vehicles and overnight accommodation.

 
Walk4Matt 2013
 
 
Instead of walking along the Grand Union the bath tub is to be paddled to London.The tin bath canoe was being tried at Debdale ahead of the event in May because the Leicester Mercury were having a photoshoot. I helped Rob Knapp, the canoeist, get into the unstable bath.  The newspaper's web site has a feature on the bath with a picture and video that includes Albert.
 
On seeing the sign Maggie immediately donated by text. To give to the charity, which supports young people injured through sport:
 
Text BATH57 £5 to 70070 or visit http://www.justgiving.com/rob-knapp