A HOMELESS man from Eastbourne is rowing the River Severn, the longest river in Britain, for Help for Heroes.
Mark Ince, 28, has been sleeping rough in a small patch of woodland in Eastbourne for nearly a year but says he has time on his hands and wants to help others.
The 28-year-old recently spent two months walking from Lands End to John O'Groats and rai
sed £5,000 for Sussex Air Ambulance.
He said, "I can't seem to get any help for myself but I do have lots of time so I thought I would use it to help someone else.
"Taking part in challenges for charity gives me something to do and helps me keep fit.
"A few of my friends have needed the services of Sussex Air Ambulance in the past so it seemed like a good charity to support."
Mark is now hoping to raise a similar amount for Help for Heroes with a 220-mile rowing challenge on July 20.
He said, "Over the last few years our soldiers have been giving life and limb, literally, for all sorts of causes.
"This is an opportunity to say thanks for their sacrifice, and let them know they are heroes."
Mark is able to get hold of a canoe but is currently contacting sailing and rowing clubs in the hope they will donate a more comfortable rowing boat for his fundraiser.
Mark will be taking his dog Sir Archibald with him on the trip. The staffy-collie-cross also walked from Lands End to John O'Groats with him and helped catch rabbits for dinner.
Mark added, "I am hoping to take some ration packs with me but because I am homeless camping out in the woods and catching my own dinner is not really a problem for me."
Anyone wanting to sponsor Mark can donate to the charity at www.justgiving.com/markince.
